# Stereotypes Through Photos Wang Qingsong Reflects on Modern China and Western Culture By Nika Kubiak | Published 2009-04-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-photo-based-art-wang-qingsongs-stereotypes-through-art References: [bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=az87txbeYWy0) Wang Qingsong, a Chinese painter and photographer, is gaining huge buzz. His [large, elaborate photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color) has been sold to many collectors for sometimes over $800,000 like the one for “Follow me.” And now the [J. Paul Getty Museum](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photo-card-game) in Los Angeles has purchased three prints by Wang. Wang is an actor in each scene, a witness of his time, and a new brand name in the modern world of photography. The artist transmits his views of issues concerning economic development of modern China and its relationship to Western culture. His work is [photographic Storytelling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lets-start-over) based on iconic symbolic representations of Western culture in contrast with Communist Chinese art and traditions. American stereotypes blend in with reflections on an aspect of the current situation of Chinese society. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cultural Fusion Photography:** Wang Qingsong's contrast of Western culture and Communist Chinese art creates opportunity for cultural fusion photography. - **Symbolic Storytelling:** Wang Qingsong's use of iconic symbols presents opportunities for symbolic storytelling in photography. - **Social Commentary Art:** Wang Qingsong's photography presents opportunities for social commentary art by reflecting on economic development and cultural relationships. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Wang Qingsong's unique approach to photography presents opportunities for artistic disruption within the field. - **Art Collecting:** The high prices paid for Wang Qingsong's elaborate photography create opportunities for disruption within the art collecting industry. - **Cultural Exchanges:** Wang Qingsong's photography presents opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding between Western and Eastern cultures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Culturally-Inspired Travel Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-travel-campaign.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Lunar New Year Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-campaign1.md) - [Bi-Culture-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicultureinspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Suburban-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suburbaninspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md)