About
Launched in 2007 by artists RongRong and inri, Three Shadows is China’s first contemporary art center dedicated exclusively to photography and video art. Located in Caochangdi, the institution occupies a stunning 4,600-square-meter complex designed by the world-renowned architect Ai Weiwei. The center’s mission is to provide a professional platform for the promotion and research of photography, serving as a vital bridge between Chinese practitioners and the international community. It is defined by its stark, minimalist architecture and its commitment to the highest standards of archival and exhibition practice.
Three Shadows has become a cornerstone of the Asian art scene, particularly through its annual "Three Shadows Photography Award," which identifies the next generation of regional talent. The center houses a specialized library, professional darkrooms, and extensive exhibition galleries. By hosting influential workshops and international retrospectives—including works from the Arles Photography Festival—Three Shadows continues to nurture the evolution of the photographic medium in China, fostering a sophisticated discourse on the relationship between image, history, and memory.