Welcome to A Transformative Exploration: Art as a Vehicle for Enlightenment, a digital art exhibit and collection that explores and curates the works of Chinese artist Cui Xiuwen, presenting an examination of her extensive career within a chronological framework combining historical and art historical research.

Despite her 22-year long career, marked by international success and exhibitions, Cui Xiuwen has been largely overlooked following her death in 2018. Through this exhibit, we aim to reintroduce and honor her transformative work, bringing her voice back into the broader art historical narrative and advocating for greater recognition of marginalized female artists.

Our project also reflects our commitment to diverse perspectives and techniques, employing the potential of digital platforms to tell stories and start meaningful conversations. By leveraging these tools, we want to create a space to explore Cui Xiuwen’s artistic evolution and her enduring contribution to contemporary Chinese art.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this exploration of Cui Xiuwen’s life, career, and artistic practice and reflect on her legacy.

Research Team

Alice Farinhas, M.A. Art History

Gloria Dai, M.A. Art History and Arts Management

Xiaoyi Sun, M.A. Art History and Arts Management

Nicola Macdonald, M.A. Art History and Arts Management

The graduate students listed above at George Mason University developed this collaborative project for the 2024 Clio Wired course. We want to thank Dr. Jessica Otis for her guidance and assistance in making this project.