Whispering Wind at Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, TN

From June 22 through October 7 in 2007, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, Tennessee held its one time "Whispering Wind: Recent Chinese Photography" exhibit. At this unique exhibit, 21 contemporary photographers from China displayed their work, which explored the contradictions and connections between modern and traditional China. Because China is such a country of contradictions - capitalism versus communism, rapid development versus ingrained tradition - the contemporary art scene has exploded in recent years with artists exploring these themes.

Three groups of photographers showed work at the exhibit. Wang Gongxin, Rong Rong, Zhang Huan, Maleonn, Sheng Qi, Yin Xiuzhen and Lin Tianmiao focused on the clash of modern Chinese art with the government's rigid political and social structures. Meng Jin, Miao Xiaochun, Li Shan, Xing Danwen, Sze Tsung Leong, Li Tianyuan, Zhang Dali, Yuan Shun and Wang Fen explored the affect that the rapid industrialization of the country has on human emotions. Finally, artists Hai Bo, Do Do in Ming, Hong Lei, Chen Changfen and Yin Xiuzhen took a lighter route and celebrated the beauty of China's gardens and traditional art.