Buddhist influences in Chinese art- Zhang Huan and his relationship with contemporary society

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze the work of contemporary artist Zhang Huan, focusing on the close relationship between his artworks and Buddhism. The analysis will start from the first steps taken by the artist in the Beijing East Side Village and will highlight all the developments of his art until today, focusing, in particular, on his trips to Tibet and his life in the USA, and to the artist’s life in connection with the Chinese avant-garde movement and its Buddhist implications.