Top 6 Influential Asian Artists Redefining History, Migration, and Political Narratives
Exploring the intersections of history, migration, and politics, a new wave of Asian artists is making a significant impact on contemporary art. Their innovative works delve into the intricate relationship between materials and human experiences, offering fresh perspectives on urban transformation, social inequality, and globalization. These artists utilize various mediums, including photography, installation, film, and painting, to express deeply personal and culturally significant narratives. Here are six artists whose work is capturing the attention of institutions and collectors alike.
1. Chen Ronghui
Who: Chen Ronghui (b. 1989, Lishui, China)
Based in: Hangzhou, China
Gallery: UP Gallery, Hsinchu, Taiwan
Chen Ronghui is a prominent Chinese photographer known for his focus on urbanization and contemporary life in China. His career began in photojournalism in 2011, with a keen emphasis on environmental and social issues. Notable work includes the 2015 “Christmas Factory” series, which highlights the plight of migrant workers in Yiwu. From 2016 to 2019, his “Freezing Land” series explored the decline of the industrial northeast. After moving to the U.S. in 2019 to study at Yale, Chen’s work expanded to identity politics and globalization, notably during the Covid-19 pandemic. His “Modern Shanghai” project analyzes China’s “Hukou” system, featured in the NVG Triennial in Australia. His accolades include a World Press Photo prize and the Three Shadows Photography Award, with works in prestigious collections like the Shanghai Center of Photography and Hong Kong’s M+ museum. He also serves as an associate professor at Hangzhou City University.
2. Steph Huang
Who: Steph Huang (b. 1990, Taiwan)
Based in: London
Gallery: Public Gallery, London
Taiwanese artist Steph Huang draws inspiration from urban environments in cities like London and Paris. Her minimalist sculptures transform everyday objects into reflections of personal and collective memories, often using local cultural references. In her 2024–25 Tate Britain exhibition, Huang examined the environmental impact of consumerism through innovative techniques like glass blowing and casting. Her work is characterized by its elegance and surrealism, encouraging viewers to see the familiar in a new light.
3. Cole Lu
Who: Cole Lu (b. 1984, Taipei)
Based in: Brooklyn
Gallery: Represented by Herald St, London
Cole Lu, a Taiwanese artist based in New York, merges history, literature, and personal experiences in his work. Known for his large-scale installations, Lu’s recent exhibitions include solo shows at Herald St in London and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Portland. His piece “The Engineers,” shown at the Bangkok Art Biennale, uses burnt Neem wood doors as metaphors for time travel and the cyclical nature of the universe, demonstrating his ability to create thought-provoking, immersive experiences.
4. Naraphat Sakarthornsap
Who: Naraphat Sakarthornsap (b. 1991, Bangkok)
Based in: Bangkok
Gallery: SAC Gallery, Bangkok
Naraphat Sakarthornsap is a leading figure in Thailand’s vibrant art scene. His conceptual work addresses societal structures and identity through installations, photography, and drawings. His installation “A Hopeless Hope,” showcased at the Art SG fair in Singapore, critiques social class disparities using a floral chandelier made from locally sourced flowers. This work resonates with audiences by highlighting social inequalities and adapting to local contexts, reflecting on economic and social conditions worldwide.
5. Luka Yuanyuan Yang
Who: Luka Yuanyuan Yang (b. 1989, Beijing)
Based in: London and Beijing
Gallery: Flowers Gallery, Hong Kong
Luka Yuanyuan Yang is a Beijing-born artist and filmmaker whose work revolves around the cultural significance of Chinatowns worldwide. Her projects, which blend archival materials with contemporary filmmaking, explore themes of identity, migration, and memory. Her feature documentary “Chinatown Cha-Cha” chronicles the life of a 92-year-old former nightclub dancer, emphasizing the rich histories and challenges faced by Chinese diasporic communities. Her artistic exploration extends to publishing, with works like “Dance in Herland.”
6. Nicole Coson
Who: Nicole Coson (b. 1992, Manila)
Based in: London
Gallery: Silverlens, Manila and New York
Nicole Coson transforms everyday objects into compelling narratives through her meticulous selection of materials and techniques. Her latest series “Circuits” reimagines the traditional art of printmaking, using inked plastic fruit crates to create large-scale prints. These works comment on commodification and the artist’s identity in global contexts, drawing parallels between gallery art and commercial goods. Coson, an MFA graduate from the Royal College of Art, has exhibited in venues such as Silverlens in Manila and the South London Gallery.
By exploring themes of history, migration, and politics, these six artists offer unique perspectives that challenge and enrich our understanding of contemporary art. Their work continues to inspire and provoke thought, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural narratives across Asia.
