Cheng Ran

Cheng Ran, born in 1981 in Inner Mongolia, China, is a contemporary artist best known for his experimental films, video installations, and multimedia works that explore themes of memory, culture, and the passage of time. His work often combines narrative elements with abstract visuals, blending influences from literature, cinema, and global pop culture. Through his immersive and poetic approach to video art, Cheng creates atmospheric, dreamlike worlds that provoke reflection on both personal and collective histories.Cheng's work is informed by his interest in the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as the impact of globalization on identity and memory. His early training in painting at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou laid the foundation for his move into video art, where he quickly developed a distinctive style characterized by atmospheric storytelling and visual experimentation. His works frequently reference classic films, literary texts, and contemporary media, creating complex visual narratives that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction.One of Cheng's most acclaimed works, In Course of the Miraculous (2015), is an epic nine-hour film that explores the mysterious disappearances of three real-life expeditions, including Donald Crowhurst's ill-fated solo voyage around the world. The film's meditative pacing and abstract storytelling reflect Cheng's fascination with themes of loss, failure, and the human quest for meaning. The project exemplifies his commitment to pushing the limits of time-based media, creating immersive experiences that engage viewers on multiple sensory and emotional levels.Cheng Ran's ability to weave together diverse cultural references is also evident in works like Joss (2013), where he incorporates elements of traditional Chinese rituals and Western punk music, reflecting the cultural dissonance and hybridity that pervades contemporary life. His use of sound and music plays a crucial role in his films and installations, adding another layer of emotional resonance to his work. This fusion of the global and the local, the old and the new, is a hallmark of Cheng's artistic practice.Cheng Ran's work has been exhibited at major international venues, including the Istanbul Biennial, the New Museum in New York, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. His experimental approach to video art and his exploration of time, memory, and cultural hybridity have made him a significant figure in the contemporary art world. Cheng continues to challenge conventional storytelling techniques, creating visually rich and conceptually deep works that invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of modern existence.