This striking photograph is the exhibition poster, published in conjunction with the exhibition REN HANG / 野生 (The Wild) at OstLicht Gallery, Vienna, from March 19 to June 19, 2015.
The image is a quintessential example of Hang's provocative and highly stylized aesthetic. It features three figures arranged in a sculptural, almost abstract formation against a stark white wall and a wooden floor. Their bodies are contorted and positioned in a way that obscures their individual identities, a common motif in Hang's work that emphasizes form over personality. The anonymity of the subjects is further heightened by the cropping of their heads and faces.
A signature element of Ren Hang's photography present in this image is the use of vibrant red nail polish. This deliberate splash of color draws the viewer's eye and creates a stark contrast with the pale tones of the subjects' skin and the minimalist background. The red nails, a recurring detail in his oeuvre, add a layer of artificiality and deliberate composition to a scene that might otherwise be perceived as purely organic.
Ren Hang (1987-2017) was a celebrated self-taught photographer and poet known for his frank and often surreal depictions of the human body. His work challenged societal norms and censorship in China, gaining him international acclaim. He predominantly photographed his friends, creating a distinctive visual language characterized by its playful yet confrontational approach to nudity, sexuality, and the human form. His photographs, though often explicit, are celebrated for their powerful compositions and their exploration of themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and freedom.
- The print was never framed and kept out of light in private collection storage
- The print is sent in a hardened package by insured trace and tracked post.
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsMulti ColorMaterialPaperNumber of items1First ownerYesOrientationLandscapeArt sizeMediumHeight42 cmWidth59 cm