Biography

A prolific writer and curator, Hou Hanru is currently the Artistic Director of MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts), Rome.

Hanru has curated and co-curated more than 100 exhibitions worldwide over the last two decades, including Growing in Difference, 7th Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (2017–2018); Home Beirut, MAXXI (2017–2018); Piere Giraldi, MAXXI (2017); Open Museum Open City, MAXXI (2014), 5th Auckland Triennial (2013); 10th Biennale de Lyon, France (2009); 2nd Guangzhou Triennial (2005); 10th Istanbul Biennial (2007); Gwangju Biennale (2002); and Shanghai Biennale (2000).

His publications on contemporary art and culture include On the Mid-Ground: Selected Texts Edited by Yu Hsiao-Hwei (Timezone 8 Ltd, 2002) and Paradigm Shifts: Walter and McBean Galleries Exhibitions and Public Programs, San Francisco Art Institute, 2006–2011 (San Francisco Art Institute, 2011). He contributes regularly to international art magazines such as Flash Art International, Art in America, Art Asia Pacific, Yishu, Art-It and has served as a guest/advisory editor for some of them.

He is an advisor for cultural institutions such as the Times Museum, Guangzhou; Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai; and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. He is also a visiting professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing.

Among his numerous awards are the AAC Best Exhibition Award, Beijing (2014); Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France (2008); and Médaille de Bicentenaire de la Révolution française, Ville de Paris (2000).

Hanru holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing (1985 and 1988, respectively).

Born in 1963 in Guangzhou, he currently lives and works between Rome, Paris and San Francisco.

SAF participation:
March Meeting 2021

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