Originally trained in Chinese ink, Chen Shaoxiong has worked across mediums including paint, photography, and collage, though he has become increasingly focused on the combination of ink, video, and installation. Chen reacts to the changing circumstances of his home city of Guangzhou through ink animations—such as “Ink City”, “Ink History”, and “Ink Things” (all 2005-07)—in which he depicts people in everyday situations. When strung together, these montages of ink drawings (based on photographs), create a narrative at once clearly urban and yet open for interpretation. A founding member of Guangzhou’s “Big Tail Elephant” group, Chen’s work is not restricted to specific theme, yet he is acutely aware of China’s ever-changing context, brought on by rapid urbanization, globalization, and their political and social ramifications. His use of ink is resonant with metaphor: he adapts a cherished, historical Chinese tradition for use in new mediums and to explore pressing contemporary issues.