Cao Shu’s practices are focused on narrative-based 3D digital moving images, video games and site-specific installations. Based on local research, his work weaves together the complex production mechanisms behind computer graphics technology, mythical metaphors, historical archives, and social issues.
His recent series explores the collective unconscious within his family history and the condition of “Trapped in local dispersion,” concentrating on the hauntology of collectivism in 20th-century China.
CAO Shu is the recipient of the 2022 OCAT x KADIST Emerging Media Artist Award, Exposure Award of PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai (2021), and 2017 BISFF Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement. He has been the artist-in-residence at multiple institutions such as the Atelier Mondial Basel(2017), Yokohama Koganecho Bazzaar (2019) and Muffatwek Munich and Goethe Institute(2023).
He has exhibited in art museums around the world, such as Kunsthausbasel land, Matadero Madrid Centre for Contemporary Creation, White Rabbit Gallery Sydney, M+ Museum Hong Kong, Power Station of Art Shanghai (PSA), UCCA Center for Contemporary Art Dune, BY ART MATTERS Hangzhou, Macao Art Museum, Beijing Minsheng Art Museum, OCAT Shanghai, Sleep Center New York, etc.
In addition, the works have also been shortlisted for the main competition units of film festivals around the world, including the Leipzig Documentary and Animation Film Festival, Message to Man International Film Festival, Annecy International Animation Festival, Milano Film Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Film Festival Hannover, International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival Finalist, etc.****
Text courtesy the artist
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