Zhang Xiao Tao

These softly colored oils of copulating frogs, melting birthday cakes, lobster claws and faces reflected in used condoms accumulate layers fast. Cells swim over their surfaces as if across a slide*or are those drops of blood?*and tropical fish flit through the debris, all against idyllic blue-green. This first monograph on the young Beijing artist includes images of Zhang working in his studio, pictures of his sculptural installation work, and documentary photographs of installed exhibitions and other influences (including Beijing porn industry advertisements and emporia). Of Beijing the artist writes, "fantastic, full of action. All is on the move, all is running, all souls fight and compete with each other." He could as easily describe his own work.