Zhang Haier (b. 1957, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China) graduated from Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1982. Zhang was among the earliest photographers to develop a distinct, independent and experimental approach to documentary photography in the late 1980s and early 1990s in China. In searching for new documentary subjects, he turned his lens towards the city, photographing the changing urban landscape and lifestyles of Guangzhou and other metropolises. In 1988, Zhang was one of the first-ever Chinese photographers to be exhibited internationally at les Rencontres d’Arles, a much-historicised moment that marked the beginning of global exposure and recognition of Chinese photography.

He has held solo exhibitions at Image Fotografisk Galleri (Aarhus, Denmark, 1995); Musée d’Élysée (Lausanne, Switzerland, 1993); and recently a major retrospective at Shanghai Center of Photography (Shanghai, China, 2017). His work is collected by Fondation Danielle Mitterrand (Paris, France); Los Angeles County Museum of Art (USA); M+ Museum (Hong Kong); Musée de l’Élysée (Lausanne, Switzerland); Shanghai Center of Photography (Shanghai, China); Sifang Art Museum (Nanjing, China); Taikang Space (Beijing, China); Three Shadows Photography Art Center (Beijing, China); The Walther Collection (USA); and White Rabbit Contemporary Chinese Art Collection (Sydney, Australia).

Zhang currently lives and works in Guangzhou, China and Paris, France.

(Source: Blindspot Gallery)