Xiao Lu: First Gunshot of Chinese Feminist Art

Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025.

Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.

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Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025. Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.
Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025. Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.
Xiao Lu: First Gunshot of Chinese Feminist Art

Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025.

Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.

In 1988 I was a student in the 1988 graduation class of the Oil Painting Department of the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now the China Academy of Art)1 and had embarked on the tense period of creating my graduation work.
In 1988 I was a student in the 1988 graduation class of the Oil Painting Department of the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now the China Academy of Art)1 and had embarked on the tense period of creating my graduation work.
Xiao Lu: Explanation of the work Dialogue that was shot in 1989 in the National Art Museum of China, Beijing

February 2004, first version, Hangzhou, China

2024 revised version, Sydney, Australia

Speaking on the basis of its lack of an avant-garde directing theory, the China/Avant-Garde Exhibition does not have an avant-garde character.
Speaking on the basis of its lack of an avant-garde directing theory, the China/Avant-Garde Exhibition does not have an avant-garde character.
Two Gunshots: The Curtain Call of the New Wave in Art!

This article pubilished on “Fine Arts in China”, 1989.No. 11

By Li Xianting

This is why I decline Geoff Raby
This is why I decline Geoff Raby
This is why I decline Geoff Raby

By Xiao Lu
16th January 2024 in Sydney

Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Art work as chance encounter with life

By Xiao Lu

14 June, 2023 in Sydney

The inescapable focus of any commentary on the art of Chinese-born female artist Xiao Lu is the action of her firing a gun into her installation Dialogue 对话 (1988-89).
The inescapable focus of any commentary on the art of Chinese-born female artist Xiao Lu is the action of her firing a gun into her installation Dialogue 对话 (1988-89).
Time and Tides: Xiao Lu’s Recursive Art, 1989-2019

By Claire Roberts

PLAYGROUND 2023 Issue 12

Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water
Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water
Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water

By Luise Guest

09/2022

Stepping Out! Female Identities in Chinese Contemporary Art is the first book and exhibition in twenty-five years to present a broadly representative selection of works by China’s contemporary women artists.
Stepping Out! Female Identities in Chinese Contemporary Art is the first book and exhibition in twenty-five years to present a broadly representative selection of works by China’s contemporary women artists.
Xiao Lu works on “Stepping Out” catalog

HATJE CANTZ

2022

Through its various academic research and exhibition activities, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is engaged in multifaceted efforts to establish the place of Korean modern and contemporary art history within the dynamic currents of contemporary art in Asia and throughout the world.
Through its various academic research and exhibition activities, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is engaged in multifaceted efforts to establish the place of Korean modern and contemporary art history within the dynamic currents of contemporary art in Asia and throughout the world.
“Connecting Bodies: Asian Women Artists” Catalog

MMCA Seoul, South Korea

2022

“We should all be feminists!” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) —In Europe and the United States, feminism has long since become part of popular culture. Yet, despite global movements, demonstrations, and petitions to establish equality, it is still not possible in the twenty-first century to speak of comprehensive gender equality with regard to women and LGBTQIA+ communities-not in any country of the world.
“We should all be feminists!” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) —In Europe and the United States, feminism has long since become part of popular culture. Yet, despite global movements, demonstrations, and petitions to establish equality, it is still not possible in the twenty-first century to speak of comprehensive gender equality with regard to women and LGBTQIA+ communities-not in any country of the world.
Xiao Lu work on “Empowerment: Art and Feminisms” Catalogue

This book is published in conjunction with the exhibition, Empowerment

Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg

September 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023

Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu
Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu
Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu

Theme: Art + Courage, CoVA Creating Futures Seminar series

Sponsor: The University of Melbourne

23 Oct 2021

This is not a monograph on the history of women artists or an art-historical survey of ‘women’s art’. It is thirty-four perspectives on pivotal moments in, and key contributions to, the field of art and design by women, all drawn from the NGV Collection. The idea of persistence was the inspiration for this publication.
This is not a monograph on the history of women artists or an art-historical survey of ‘women’s art’. It is thirty-four perspectives on pivotal moments in, and key contributions to, the field of art and design by women, all drawn from the NGV Collection. The idea of persistence was the inspiration for this publication.
“She Persists” published by NGV in 2020

NGV

2020

Zhou Yan
Zhou Yan
Zhou Yan “A History of Contemporary Chinese Art”

Zhou Yan

Springer Press 2020

In late May 2011, escaping the behemoth art fair ArtHK. I caught the subway to the end of the Hong Kong Island line.
In late May 2011, escaping the behemoth art fair ArtHK. I caught the subway to the end of the Hong Kong Island line.
“Xiao Lu: Thirty years later”

By Mikala Tai

Published by NGV 2020

On 5 February 1989, two gunshots were fired at Dialogue, an installation art work in the exhibition China/Avant-Garde at China’s National Art Gallery in Beijing. This event was the first officially sanctioned exhibition of ‘unofficial’ art held in post-Mao China.
On 5 February 1989, two gunshots were fired at Dialogue, an installation art work in the exhibition China/Avant-Garde at China’s National Art Gallery in Beijing. This event was the first officially sanctioned exhibition of ‘unofficial’ art held in post-Mao China.
Xiao Lu: 15 Gunshots…from 1989 to 2003

By Cao Yin

2020.3 in Sydney

I recently saw a very colourful Xiao Lu. One of her hands was wrapped in white bandage, previously wounded during her “Polar” exhibition, whilst the other hand maneuvered the steering wheel with ease.
I recently saw a very colourful Xiao Lu. One of her hands was wrapped in white bandage, previously wounded during her “Polar” exhibition, whilst the other hand maneuvered the steering wheel with ease.
Evil does not differ from justice, and justice does not differ from evil – A story of Xiao Lu

By Wen Pulin

Early spring, February of the Year of Rat

02 / 2020

Born to two Socialist Realism painters shortly before China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), Xiao was exposed to art and politics from a young age. She attended the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou, with the work shown in this image serving as her graduation piece.
Born to two Socialist Realism painters shortly before China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), Xiao was exposed to art and politics from a young age. She attended the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou, with the work shown in this image serving as her graduation piece.
Xiao Lu work “Dialogue” on “GREAT WOMEN ARTISTS” published by PHAIDON

Rebecca Morrill, Karen Wright, Louise Elderton, Catalina Imizcoz

PHAIDON Press Limited 2019

Danish Cultural Center, 798 Arts District, Beijing, China (23 October 2016). Photographs by Yi Zhilei. Exhibition view: Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney (19 January–24 March 2019). Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kai Wasikowski (2019), for 4A Center for Contemporary Asian Art.
Danish Cultural Center, 798 Arts District, Beijing, China (23 October 2016). Photographs by Yi Zhilei. Exhibition view: Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney (19 January–24 March 2019). Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kai Wasikowski (2019), for 4A Center for Contemporary Asian Art.
OCULA / Conversation

In partnership with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art

In Conversation with Mikala Tai

Sydney, 21 January 2019

Human / 人
Human / 人
Human / 人

By Alia Lin

Oct 2018

Moxico 2018
Moxico 2018
CUANDO EL ARTE CHINO DEVIENE CONTEMPORÁNEO

By Elizabeth Ross

Ciudad de México, 2018

Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru
Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru
Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru “Art And China After 1989 Theater of the World “

Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru

@2017 The Soloman R. Guggenheim Foundation.

To see the problems clearly, you have to view in the dimension of time. “More than twenty years” is quite a lengthy stretch of history for an individual, but in terms of art history, it may be quite short.
To see the problems clearly, you have to view in the dimension of time. “More than twenty years” is quite a lengthy stretch of history for an individual, but in terms of art history, it may be quite short.
Man Art Magazine Interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu

Monica Merlin interviewed Xiao Lu at TATE

2013.11.12

The discussion centered on whether it is meaningful for Xiao Lu to be
The discussion centered on whether it is meaningful for Xiao Lu to be
“Purging”: Xiao Lu’s “Subversion” of „Subversion”

By Juan Xu

Huaian, China

June 27, 2013

Taikang Space
Taikang Space
Taikang Space “IMAGE HISTORY EXISTENCE”

Taikang Space

Culture & Art Press 2011

Book: CONTEMPORARY ART
Book: CONTEMPORARY ART
Terry Smith “CONTEMPORARY ART” – World Currents

Terry Smith

2011 Laurence King Publishing

Book: Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art / In English, Author: Gao Minglu, Publication: The MIT Press 2011
Book: Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art / In English, Author: Gao Minglu, Publication: The MIT Press 2011
Gao Minglu “Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art”

Gao Minglu

The MIT Press 2011

Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue
Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue
Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue

By Hu Xiaolan, Wangjing

15 May, 2011

it was the first time that I broke my silence to talk about Dialogue in public in the whole period from 1989 to 2004. This process was so long. These things are all described in my novel “Dialogue”. You can read about it later.
it was the first time that I broke my silence to talk about Dialogue in public in the whole period from 1989 to 2004. This process was so long. These things are all described in my novel “Dialogue”. You can read about it later.
Berenice Angremy interview Xiao Lu

Berenice Angremy Curator X Xiao Lu

Time: 2010/10/18

Location: 798 “Thinking Hands”

Although Xiao Lu’s Dialogue is written in the form of a novel, it is based on a true story. However, it is not only the story of a single individual. At the same time it presents a particularly important event in the history of Chinese contemporary art.
Although Xiao Lu’s Dialogue is written in the form of a novel, it is based on a true story. However, it is not only the story of a single individual. At the same time it presents a particularly important event in the history of Chinese contemporary art.
Xiao Lu novel “Dialogue”

Author: Xiao Lu

Hong Kong University Press 2010

Although she belongs to the avant-garde generation that has done so well, internationally as well as within China, Xiao Lu nonetheless presents an alternative to the recognized artist. Contradictions abound in regard to her career: for one, she is considered a major artist on the basis of a very small body of work.
Although she belongs to the avant-garde generation that has done so well, internationally as well as within China, Xiao Lu nonetheless presents an alternative to the recognized artist. Contradictions abound in regard to her career: for one, she is considered a major artist on the basis of a very small body of work.
Xiao Lu: The Confluence of Life and Art

By Jonathan Goodman

December 2008 in New York

 This is because we see in these two telephone booths a red telephone placed on a table, but the telephone’s mouthpiece is not atop the telephone, but rather dangles there, unanswered, suggesting that the “dialogue” has been cut off.
 This is because we see in these two telephone booths a red telephone placed on a table, but the telephone’s mouthpiece is not atop the telephone, but rather dangles there, unanswered, suggesting that the “dialogue” has been cut off.
The Sound of Gunshots, Half a Life’s Dialogue: On Xiao Lu’s “Dialogue” / By Gao Minglu

“China Guardian Press” published on November 2006

October 2006

First letter from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.
First letter from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.
Letters from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.

February – March, 2004

Greetings! Thank you for your account of the shooting and your three letters. I apologise for not answering promptly. I have indeed been very busy recently, and also been unwell for a while.
Greetings! Thank you for your account of the shooting and your three letters. I apologise for not answering promptly. I have indeed been very busy recently, and also been unwell for a while.
Gao Minglu’s reply letter to Xiao Lu

April 16, 2004

This time I spent all my time in a hotel. I couldn’t see any green shadows outside the window, but just shut myself inside my room, except for an occasional long walk outside, and I seemed isolated from this world.
This time I spent all my time in a hotel. I couldn’t see any green shadows outside the window, but just shut myself inside my room, except for an occasional long walk outside, and I seemed isolated from this world.
Letters from Xiao Lu to Li Xianting about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.

February – March, 2004

Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work
Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work
Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work

First draft spring 2004

revised 3 October, 2005

On Aug. 21, the “Country Life Plan” exhibition was scheduled to open at the National Gallery in Beijing. Though the paintings were indifferent, and had to the ordinary eye no hint of political significance
On Aug. 21, the “Country Life Plan” exhibition was scheduled to open at the National Gallery in Beijing. Though the paintings were indifferent, and had to the ordinary eye no hint of political significance
Their Irony, Humor ( and Art ) Can Save China

By Andrew Solomon

New York Time Magazine

December 19, 1993

As a matter of my overall conception of art, I believe that art is a process of testing (or perhaps, supplementing this word with words of similar meaning: a practice, practical experiment, attempt, possibility of discovery and so on).
As a matter of my overall conception of art, I believe that art is a process of testing (or perhaps, supplementing this word with words of similar meaning: a practice, practical experiment, attempt, possibility of discovery and so on).
Letter from Tang Song to Li Xianting

21 June, 1989

     Concise situation account of the “Shooting Incident” of 5 February, 1989 at the China/Avant-Garde in Beijing. Naturally, the facts in my account are selective and have a motive, namely to draw people’s increased attention to the facts of these events. Our original object in this action was to let the situation speak for itself.
     Concise situation account of the “Shooting Incident” of 5 February, 1989 at the China/Avant-Garde in Beijing. Naturally, the facts in my account are selective and have a motive, namely to draw people’s increased attention to the facts of these events. Our original object in this action was to let the situation speak for itself.
Tang Song’s concise account of the Shooting Incident of 5 February 1989

27 February 1989

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Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025. Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.
Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025. Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.
Xiao Lu: First Gunshot of Chinese Feminist Art

Published by  Frauenmuseum Bonn / I O Cultural Network e.V. + Bald Girls Group 2025.

Article Authors: Juan Xu, Julia Heintz, Jerome Silbergeld, Gao Minglu, Claire Roberts, Wen Pulin, Monic Merlin, Tench Martin-Liao, Xiao Lu.

In these works, artists across Asia and its diasporas address history and social change, transforming the body, language and visual traditions into forms of resistance.
In these works, artists across Asia and its diasporas address history and social change, transforming the body, language and visual traditions into forms of resistance.
“Protest”, “Gathering” joined “Bearing Witness”

NGV, Australia

2026.4.18 – 8.30

In 1988 I was a student in the 1988 graduation class of the Oil Painting Department of the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now the China Academy of Art)1 and had embarked on the tense period of creating my graduation work.
In 1988 I was a student in the 1988 graduation class of the Oil Painting Department of the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now the China Academy of Art)1 and had embarked on the tense period of creating my graduation work.
Xiao Lu: Explanation of the work Dialogue that was shot in 1989 in the National Art Museum of China, Beijing

February 2004, first version, Hangzhou, China

2024 revised version, Sydney, Australia

Speaking on the basis of its lack of an avant-garde directing theory, the China/Avant-Garde Exhibition does not have an avant-garde character.
Speaking on the basis of its lack of an avant-garde directing theory, the China/Avant-Garde Exhibition does not have an avant-garde character.
Two Gunshots: The Curtain Call of the New Wave in Art!

This article pubilished on “Fine Arts in China”, 1989.No. 11

By Li Xianting

This is why I decline Geoff Raby
This is why I decline Geoff Raby
This is why I decline Geoff Raby

By Xiao Lu
16th January 2024 in Sydney

“The Space of Negotiation: My Art across Borders”

CATS, University Heidelberg, Germany / Lecture

7 July, 2026

“The China Moment” explores the developments of Chinese contemporary art since the late 1970s, a period of profound social, political, and cultural change.
“The China Moment” explores the developments of Chinese contemporary art since the late 1970s, a period of profound social, political, and cultural change.
“15 Gunshots…From 1989 to 2003” joined “The China Moment” in Kasseler Germany

The documenta Institut first research exhibition at the Kasseler Kunstverein

2026.1.24 – 3.22

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the University of Oregon’s Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS), the museum has organized a special exhibition entitled Half the Sky: Women in Chinese Art, referencing by Chairman Mao Zedong’s 1968 quotation “Women hold up half the sky,” meaning that they are the equal of men.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the University of Oregon’s Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS), the museum has organized a special exhibition entitled Half the Sky: Women in Chinese Art, referencing by Chairman Mao Zedong’s 1968 quotation “Women hold up half the sky,” meaning that they are the equal of men.
“Dialogue” showed at Half the Sky: Women in Chinese Art

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, USA

9 Sep. 2023-7 July 2024

On February 29, 2024, Xiao Lu's solo exhibition
On February 29, 2024, Xiao Lu's solo exhibition
In Dialogue with Xiao Lu

Darling Square Library

13 July, 2024

Opening on June 14th, between 6PM-8PM is renowned performance artist Xiao Lu’s latest installation and performance ‘JUNK’ at passage Gallery in Sydney.
Opening on June 14th, between 6PM-8PM is renowned performance artist Xiao Lu’s latest installation and performance ‘JUNK’ at passage Gallery in Sydney.
Xiao Lu’s solo show “JUNK” open at passage gallery in Sydney

Opening on June 14th, between 6PM-8PM

On February 29, 2024, Xiao Lu's solo exhibition
On February 29, 2024, Xiao Lu's solo exhibition
Dignity of remembering

MARS Gallery in Melbourne, Australia

29 February, 2024 – 30 March

Curator: Elizabeth Ross Location: Morelos Theater, Cuernavaca, Mexico Time: 17 Oct. 2023 - 22 Oct
Curator: Elizabeth Ross Location: Morelos Theater, Cuernavaca, Mexico Time: 17 Oct. 2023 - 22 Oct
“Money Laundering”, “Polar” Joined “ IV Festival De Artist As Chinas 2023” in Mexico

Morelos Theater, Cuernavaca, Mexico

17 Oct – 22 Oct, 2023

Location: Morelos Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico
Location: Morelos Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico
Lecture: Xiao Lu with Her works

Morelos Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico

18 Oct. 2023

Location: Koret Room, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Location: Koret Room, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Lecture: Dialogue XIAO LU

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

Oct. 12 2023

Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Lecture: Art as chance encounter with me

SFU & Centre A, Canada

29 September 2023

“15 Gunshots…from 1989 to 2003” showed at “20th-Century Galleries Collection 1960s-2000”

Art Gallery of NSW, Australia

20 August 2022 – 2023

Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Whenever I look back at my works, it is like going back to a certain moment of that former me. The overlapping of past and present, the collision of time and life intertwined together, can always find traces of survival in the crevices of the works.
Art work as chance encounter with life

By Xiao Lu

14 June, 2023 in Sydney

The inescapable focus of any commentary on the art of Chinese-born female artist Xiao Lu is the action of her firing a gun into her installation Dialogue 对话 (1988-89).
The inescapable focus of any commentary on the art of Chinese-born female artist Xiao Lu is the action of her firing a gun into her installation Dialogue 对话 (1988-89).
Time and Tides: Xiao Lu’s Recursive Art, 1989-2019

By Claire Roberts

PLAYGROUND 2023 Issue 12

In Stepping Out! you'll get a unique insight into China's contemporary art scene through 80 works by 26 prominent female artists. The exhibition includes performance, video, photography, sculpture, ink drawings and oil paintings, offering a surprisingly rich range of themes, approaches and perspectives.
In Stepping Out! you'll get a unique insight into China's contemporary art scene through 80 works by 26 prominent female artists. The exhibition includes performance, video, photography, sculpture, ink drawings and oil paintings, offering a surprisingly rich range of themes, approaches and perspectives.
“Dialogue”, “Polar”, “Coil” joined exhibition “Stepping Out !” in Denmark

Kunstforeningen GI Strand Copenhangen, Denmark

2 Dec. 2022 – 12 March 2023

The original idea of
The original idea of
“One” showed at “China-The Past is Present”

National Gallery of VIC, Australia

15 October 2022 – 20 February 2023.

On February 23, 2023, Xiao Lu participated in 
On February 23, 2023, Xiao Lu participated in 
Xiao Lu participated in Sheng Qi’s “Contempoary Chinese Artists Autobiography”
On September 9, 2022, at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg in Germany, a four-month exhibition on women in the world named
On September 9, 2022, at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg in Germany, a four-month exhibition on women in the world named
“Open Fire” joined exhibition “Empowerment”

Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, Germany

9 Sep. 2022 – 8 Jan. 2023

 
 
“Dialogue”, “Polar”, “Soil” join exhibition “Stepping Out ! ” in Norway

Lillehammer Art Museum, Norway

14 May – 16 Oct 2022

My work
My work
“Polar” join the exhibition “Sensitive Content” in Unit London, UK

Unit London, UK

13 Sep. – 16 Oct. 2022

1 October 2022 at 4:00PM. For the freedom of Iran, for the freedom of women. In BELMORE PARK, ON EDDY AVENUE, CENTRAL STATION, Sydney, Australia. We are together.
1 October 2022 at 4:00PM. For the freedom of Iran, for the freedom of women. In BELMORE PARK, ON EDDY AVENUE, CENTRAL STATION, Sydney, Australia. We are together.
For Iran, For Freedom, For Feminism / Sydney Rally

In Belmore Park, On Eddy Avenue, Central Station, Sydney

Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water
Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water
Becoming One: Xiao Lu’s Dialogues of Ink and Water

By Luise Guest

09/2022

On March 3, 2012, the exhibition
On March 3, 2012, the exhibition
“Skew” and “Tear down this wall” join the “Bald Girls-Chain Reaction” in Germany

KUH Art space in Dusseldorf, Germany

14 July 2022 – 6 August

Stepping Out! Female Identities in Chinese Contemporary Art is the first book and exhibition in twenty-five years to present a broadly representative selection of works by China’s contemporary women artists.
Stepping Out! Female Identities in Chinese Contemporary Art is the first book and exhibition in twenty-five years to present a broadly representative selection of works by China’s contemporary women artists.
Xiao Lu works on “Stepping Out” catalog

HATJE CANTZ

2022

Through its various academic research and exhibition activities, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is engaged in multifaceted efforts to establish the place of Korean modern and contemporary art history within the dynamic currents of contemporary art in Asia and throughout the world.
Through its various academic research and exhibition activities, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is engaged in multifaceted efforts to establish the place of Korean modern and contemporary art history within the dynamic currents of contemporary art in Asia and throughout the world.
“Connecting Bodies: Asian Women Artists” Catalog

MMCA Seoul, South Korea

2022

“We should all be feminists!” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) —In Europe and the United States, feminism has long since become part of popular culture. Yet, despite global movements, demonstrations, and petitions to establish equality, it is still not possible in the twenty-first century to speak of comprehensive gender equality with regard to women and LGBTQIA+ communities-not in any country of the world.
“We should all be feminists!” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) —In Europe and the United States, feminism has long since become part of popular culture. Yet, despite global movements, demonstrations, and petitions to establish equality, it is still not possible in the twenty-first century to speak of comprehensive gender equality with regard to women and LGBTQIA+ communities-not in any country of the world.
Xiao Lu work on “Empowerment: Art and Feminisms” Catalogue

This book is published in conjunction with the exhibition, Empowerment

Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg

September 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023

Xiao Lu's work
Xiao Lu's work
Xiao Lu’s work “Tides” join at “ARRA Video Art Project No.2”
Artists: Anothermountainman ( Stanley Wong )、Bui Cong Kanh、Cang Xin、Chan Dany、Serge Clement、Dinh Q. Le、Atul Dodiya、Nandan Ghiya、Gu Benchi、Maya Hewitt、Htein Lin、Huang Rui、Marques de Jadraque、Ko Siu Lan、Sutee Kunavichayayont、Carol Lee Mei Kuen、Frog King Kwok、Li Wei、Liang Hao、Hung Liu、Ma Desheng、Manit Swriwanichpoom、Gered Mankowitz、Laurent Martin
Artists: Anothermountainman ( Stanley Wong )、Bui Cong Kanh、Cang Xin、Chan Dany、Serge Clement、Dinh Q. Le、Atul Dodiya、Nandan Ghiya、Gu Benchi、Maya Hewitt、Htein Lin、Huang Rui、Marques de Jadraque、Ko Siu Lan、Sutee Kunavichayayont、Carol Lee Mei Kuen、Frog King Kwok、Li Wei、Liang Hao、Hung Liu、Ma Desheng、Manit Swriwanichpoom、Gered Mankowitz、Laurent Martin
“Love in the Dream” 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, Hong Kong

10 Chancery Lane Gallery 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Nov 2021

Mexican Artist & Curator Elizabeth Ross talk about Artist Xiao Lu‘s work
Mexican Artist & Curator Elizabeth Ross talk about Artist Xiao Lu‘s work
Mexican Artist & Curator Elizabeth Ross talk about Artist Xiao Lu‘s work

The Arts Faculty of Baja California University, in the border with the USA.

October 26, 2021

Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu
Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu
Claire Roberts conversation Xiao Lu

Theme: Art + Courage, CoVA Creating Futures Seminar series

Sponsor: The University of Melbourne

23 Oct 2021

Xiao Lu takes part in this exhibition:
Xiao Lu takes part in this exhibition:
The Realm of Existence: An Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Art

Tsinghua University Art Museum, Beijing.
22 Oct 2021 – 12 Dec 2021

Conversation between Whiskey Chow and Xiao Lu, China’s foremost feminist performance artist, reflecting on inter-generational performance practice alongside sharing video documentation of their past work. Supported by the Centre for Contemporary East Asian Cultural Studies (CEACS), University of Nottingham. (Chinese with English translation).
Conversation between Whiskey Chow and Xiao Lu, China’s foremost feminist performance artist, reflecting on inter-generational performance practice alongside sharing video documentation of their past work. Supported by the Centre for Contemporary East Asian Cultural Studies (CEACS), University of Nottingham. (Chinese with English translation).
Xiao Lu Dialogue with Whiskey Chou on Zoom

Centre for Contemporary East Asian Cultural Studies (CEACS),
University of Nottingham

2021/06/06

This is not a monograph on the history of women artists or an art-historical survey of ‘women’s art’. It is thirty-four perspectives on pivotal moments in, and key contributions to, the field of art and design by women, all drawn from the NGV Collection. The idea of persistence was the inspiration for this publication.
This is not a monograph on the history of women artists or an art-historical survey of ‘women’s art’. It is thirty-four perspectives on pivotal moments in, and key contributions to, the field of art and design by women, all drawn from the NGV Collection. The idea of persistence was the inspiration for this publication.
“She Persists” published by NGV in 2020

NGV

2020

Zhou Yan
Zhou Yan
Zhou Yan “A History of Contemporary Chinese Art”

Zhou Yan

Springer Press 2020

In late May 2011, escaping the behemoth art fair ArtHK. I caught the subway to the end of the Hong Kong Island line.
In late May 2011, escaping the behemoth art fair ArtHK. I caught the subway to the end of the Hong Kong Island line.
“Xiao Lu: Thirty years later”

By Mikala Tai

Published by NGV 2020

Design School of UWA
Design School of UWA
Guan Kan: Thinking with Contemporary Chinese Art Online

Design School of UWA “Guan Kan: Thinking with Conemporary Chinese Art”

2021/05/14 – 06/17

On 5 February 1989, two gunshots were fired at Dialogue, an installation art work in the exhibition China/Avant-Garde at China’s National Art Gallery in Beijing. This event was the first officially sanctioned exhibition of ‘unofficial’ art held in post-Mao China.
On 5 February 1989, two gunshots were fired at Dialogue, an installation art work in the exhibition China/Avant-Garde at China’s National Art Gallery in Beijing. This event was the first officially sanctioned exhibition of ‘unofficial’ art held in post-Mao China.
Xiao Lu: 15 Gunshots…from 1989 to 2003

By Cao Yin

2020.3 in Sydney

I recently saw a very colourful Xiao Lu. One of her hands was wrapped in white bandage, previously wounded during her “Polar” exhibition, whilst the other hand maneuvered the steering wheel with ease.
I recently saw a very colourful Xiao Lu. One of her hands was wrapped in white bandage, previously wounded during her “Polar” exhibition, whilst the other hand maneuvered the steering wheel with ease.
Evil does not differ from justice, and justice does not differ from evil – A story of Xiao Lu

By Wen Pulin

Early spring, February of the Year of Rat

02 / 2020

At the opening reception of an exhibition at Beijing’s National Art Museum in February 1989, Xiao fired two bullets at her installation.
At the opening reception of an exhibition at Beijing’s National Art Museum in February 1989, Xiao fired two bullets at her installation.
“Dialogue” show at “Collection Galleries: 1970s – Present” in MoMA, NY

MoMA

10 Oct. 2019

10 Chancery Lane Gallery is proud to present SKEW, a solo exhibition and new performance by Xiao Lu, one of China’s most provocative artists. This will be Xiao Lu’s first solo show in Hong Kong and will present an important survey of some of her most iconic performances.
10 Chancery Lane Gallery is proud to present SKEW, a solo exhibition and new performance by Xiao Lu, one of China’s most provocative artists. This will be Xiao Lu’s first solo show in Hong Kong and will present an important survey of some of her most iconic performances.
“Skew” – Xiao Lu’s solo show at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery in Hong Kong

10 Chancery Lane Gallery, Hong Kong

12 Sep. 2019 – 5 Oct.

Born to two Socialist Realism painters shortly before China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), Xiao was exposed to art and politics from a young age. She attended the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou, with the work shown in this image serving as her graduation piece.
Born to two Socialist Realism painters shortly before China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), Xiao was exposed to art and politics from a young age. She attended the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou, with the work shown in this image serving as her graduation piece.
Xiao Lu work “Dialogue” on “GREAT WOMEN ARTISTS” published by PHAIDON

Rebecca Morrill, Karen Wright, Louise Elderton, Catalina Imizcoz

PHAIDON Press Limited 2019

Documentary film
Documentary film
MY 1980’s – Documentary on European TV Broadcast

ARTE TV channel in France and Germany

Channel 2 in Sweden

Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue 肖鲁:语嘿 is the first retrospective of leading contemporary Chinese artist Xiao Lu. The exhibition is anchored by Xiao Lu’s performance work Dialogue from the landmark China/Avant-Garde exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Beijing, in February 1989.
Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue 肖鲁:语嘿 is the first retrospective of leading contemporary Chinese artist Xiao Lu. The exhibition is anchored by Xiao Lu’s performance work Dialogue from the landmark China/Avant-Garde exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Beijing, in February 1989.
Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue

4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in Sydney, Australia

19 Jan. 2019 – 24 March

Danish Cultural Center, 798 Arts District, Beijing, China (23 October 2016). Photographs by Yi Zhilei. Exhibition view: Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney (19 January–24 March 2019). Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kai Wasikowski (2019), for 4A Center for Contemporary Asian Art.
Danish Cultural Center, 798 Arts District, Beijing, China (23 October 2016). Photographs by Yi Zhilei. Exhibition view: Xiao Lu: Impossible Dialogue, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney (19 January–24 March 2019). Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kai Wasikowski (2019), for 4A Center for Contemporary Asian Art.
OCULA / Conversation

In partnership with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art

In Conversation with Mikala Tai

Sydney, 21 January 2019

Opposed to conform to societal norms and unwilling to restrict the self, this kind of women refuse to be ordinary and do what is expected. Xiao Lu, Zhao Yinou, and Cao Yu have been her kind. They may have multiple personas, as daughter, mother, and wife, but more importantly, they are artists.
Opposed to conform to societal norms and unwilling to restrict the self, this kind of women refuse to be ordinary and do what is expected. Xiao Lu, Zhao Yinou, and Cao Yu have been her kind. They may have multiple personas, as daughter, mother, and wife, but more importantly, they are artists.
“HER KIND: Xiao Lu, Zhao Yinou, Caoyu” – Beijing Zhuzhong Art Museum

Exhibition: HER KIND
Couator: Alia Lin
Artist: Xiao Lu, Zhao Yinou, Caoyu
Location: Beijing Zhuzhong Art Museum

Human / 人
Human / 人
Human / 人

By Alia Lin

Oct 2018

Moxico 2018
Moxico 2018
CUANDO EL ARTE CHINO DEVIENE CONTEMPORÁNEO

By Elizabeth Ross

Ciudad de México, 2018

Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru
Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru
Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru “Art And China After 1989 Theater of the World “

Alexandra Monroe, Philip Tinari, Hou Hanru

@2017 The Soloman R. Guggenheim Foundation.

To see the problems clearly, you have to view in the dimension of time. “More than twenty years” is quite a lengthy stretch of history for an individual, but in terms of art history, it may be quite short.
To see the problems clearly, you have to view in the dimension of time. “More than twenty years” is quite a lengthy stretch of history for an individual, but in terms of art history, it may be quite short.
Man Art Magazine Interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu
Monica Merlin interview Xiao Lu

Monica Merlin interviewed Xiao Lu at TATE

2013.11.12

The discussion centered on whether it is meaningful for Xiao Lu to be
The discussion centered on whether it is meaningful for Xiao Lu to be
“Purging”: Xiao Lu’s “Subversion” of „Subversion”

By Juan Xu

Huaian, China

June 27, 2013

Taikang Space
Taikang Space
Taikang Space “IMAGE HISTORY EXISTENCE”

Taikang Space

Culture & Art Press 2011

Book: CONTEMPORARY ART
Book: CONTEMPORARY ART
Terry Smith “CONTEMPORARY ART” – World Currents

Terry Smith

2011 Laurence King Publishing

Book: Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art / In English, Author: Gao Minglu, Publication: The MIT Press 2011
Book: Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art / In English, Author: Gao Minglu, Publication: The MIT Press 2011
Gao Minglu “Total Modernity and the Avant-Garde in Chinese Art”

Gao Minglu

The MIT Press 2011

Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue
Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue
Focus and Freeze- Revisiting Dialogue

By Hu Xiaolan, Wangjing

15 May, 2011

it was the first time that I broke my silence to talk about Dialogue in public in the whole period from 1989 to 2004. This process was so long. These things are all described in my novel “Dialogue”. You can read about it later.
it was the first time that I broke my silence to talk about Dialogue in public in the whole period from 1989 to 2004. This process was so long. These things are all described in my novel “Dialogue”. You can read about it later.
Berenice Angremy interview Xiao Lu

Berenice Angremy Curator X Xiao Lu

Time: 2010/10/18

Location: 798 “Thinking Hands”

Although Xiao Lu’s Dialogue is written in the form of a novel, it is based on a true story. However, it is not only the story of a single individual. At the same time it presents a particularly important event in the history of Chinese contemporary art.
Although Xiao Lu’s Dialogue is written in the form of a novel, it is based on a true story. However, it is not only the story of a single individual. At the same time it presents a particularly important event in the history of Chinese contemporary art.
Xiao Lu novel “Dialogue”

Author: Xiao Lu

Hong Kong University Press 2010

Although she belongs to the avant-garde generation that has done so well, internationally as well as within China, Xiao Lu nonetheless presents an alternative to the recognized artist. Contradictions abound in regard to her career: for one, she is considered a major artist on the basis of a very small body of work.
Although she belongs to the avant-garde generation that has done so well, internationally as well as within China, Xiao Lu nonetheless presents an alternative to the recognized artist. Contradictions abound in regard to her career: for one, she is considered a major artist on the basis of a very small body of work.
Xiao Lu: The Confluence of Life and Art

By Jonathan Goodman

December 2008 in New York

 This is because we see in these two telephone booths a red telephone placed on a table, but the telephone’s mouthpiece is not atop the telephone, but rather dangles there, unanswered, suggesting that the “dialogue” has been cut off.
 This is because we see in these two telephone booths a red telephone placed on a table, but the telephone’s mouthpiece is not atop the telephone, but rather dangles there, unanswered, suggesting that the “dialogue” has been cut off.
The Sound of Gunshots, Half a Life’s Dialogue: On Xiao Lu’s “Dialogue” / By Gao Minglu

“China Guardian Press” published on November 2006

October 2006

First letter from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.
First letter from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.
Letters from Xiao Lu to Gao Minglu about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.

February – March, 2004

Greetings! Thank you for your account of the shooting and your three letters. I apologise for not answering promptly. I have indeed been very busy recently, and also been unwell for a while.
Greetings! Thank you for your account of the shooting and your three letters. I apologise for not answering promptly. I have indeed been very busy recently, and also been unwell for a while.
Gao Minglu’s reply letter to Xiao Lu

April 16, 2004

This time I spent all my time in a hotel. I couldn’t see any green shadows outside the window, but just shut myself inside my room, except for an occasional long walk outside, and I seemed isolated from this world.
This time I spent all my time in a hotel. I couldn’t see any green shadows outside the window, but just shut myself inside my room, except for an occasional long walk outside, and I seemed isolated from this world.
Letters from Xiao Lu to Li Xianting about the shooting of her work Dialogue at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, in 1989.

February – March, 2004

Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work
Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work
Li Xianting interview with Xiao Lu, Li Songsong and re-interpretation of the work

First draft spring 2004

revised 3 October, 2005

On Aug. 21, the “Country Life Plan” exhibition was scheduled to open at the National Gallery in Beijing. Though the paintings were indifferent, and had to the ordinary eye no hint of political significance
On Aug. 21, the “Country Life Plan” exhibition was scheduled to open at the National Gallery in Beijing. Though the paintings were indifferent, and had to the ordinary eye no hint of political significance
Their Irony, Humor ( and Art ) Can Save China

By Andrew Solomon

New York Time Magazine

December 19, 1993

As a matter of my overall conception of art, I believe that art is a process of testing (or perhaps, supplementing this word with words of similar meaning: a practice, practical experiment, attempt, possibility of discovery and so on).
As a matter of my overall conception of art, I believe that art is a process of testing (or perhaps, supplementing this word with words of similar meaning: a practice, practical experiment, attempt, possibility of discovery and so on).
Letter from Tang Song to Li Xianting

21 June, 1989

     Concise situation account of the “Shooting Incident” of 5 February, 1989 at the China/Avant-Garde in Beijing. Naturally, the facts in my account are selective and have a motive, namely to draw people’s increased attention to the facts of these events. Our original object in this action was to let the situation speak for itself.
     Concise situation account of the “Shooting Incident” of 5 February, 1989 at the China/Avant-Garde in Beijing. Naturally, the facts in my account are selective and have a motive, namely to draw people’s increased attention to the facts of these events. Our original object in this action was to let the situation speak for itself.
Tang Song’s concise account of the Shooting Incident of 5 February 1989

27 February 1989

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