Ren Hang

Ren Hang by Taschen is a definitive art book celebrating the provocative and boundary-pushing photography of the late Chinese artist Ren Hang. This comprehensive collection serves as both a tribute to his artistic legacy and an exploration of human form, desire, and freedom, making it a compelling read for art enthusiasts, photography students, and those interested in contemporary Chinese culture.

Published by Taschen, this volume stands as the only international collection of Ren Hang's work, covering his entire career from his early self-published monographs to his final, major projects. The book features well-loved favorites alongside many never-before-seen photographs, offering a complete retrospective of an artist who challenged societal norms with a unique blend of vulnerability and boldness. The text, available in English, French, and German, provides context for his journey as a shy, slight-of-build Beijing photographer who became a controversial yet wildly popular figure in the global art world.

Ren Hang’s work is characterized by its clean detachment and emotional vividness, often depicting models—friends and fans alike—naked in striking outdoor settings. These images range from high in trees to on vertiginous rooftops of Beijing, where bodies are stacked like building blocks or adorned with unconventional props such as octopi head wraps, phone cords, and flowers. The photographs are all produced on film, preserving the tactile and authentic quality of his artistic vision. While his work includes explicit imagery, including nudity and erections, Hang explicitly denied that his intentions were sexual, instead aiming to portray every organ in a fresh and emotional way.

The book captures the essence of Hang's philosophy, where gender was irrelevant to his photography, marking him as a pioneer of gender inclusiveness in art. It documents his rapid rise, marked by over 20 solo and 70 group shows in major cities including Tokyo, Paris, New York, and Beijing, despite his brief six-year career. The collection also includes a poignant note from his long-time partner, Jiaqi, who is featured on the cover, sharing the joy Hang felt when he first held this book. This personal touch adds depth to the visual narrative, grounding the artistic rebellion in human connection and friendship.