Xu Xiaowei is a Chinese photographer and visual artist based in Beijing. He is best known for his documentary-style photographs of everyday life in China, which often focus on the lives of ordinary people.
Xu was born in Beijing in 1982 and grew up in a small village near the city. He developed an interest in photography at an early age, and began taking pictures of his family and friends when he was just a teenager. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where he studied photography and visual arts.
After graduating from college, Xu began working as a freelance photographer for various publications and organizations. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including National Geographic, Time Magazine, The New York Times, and The Guardian. He has also exhibited his work at galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
In addition to his photographic work, Xu is also an active member of the Chinese art community. He has served as a judge for several international photography competitions and has lectured on photography at universities across China. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Prix Pictet Award for Photography in 2015.
Xu continues to live and work in Beijing today, where he continues to document everyday life through his photographs. His work provides an intimate look into modern Chinese culture that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.