Born in 1990 in Jiujiang, Jiangxi, Zhao Qian currently lives and works in Shanghai. Zhao focuses on circulating animal imagery, game operating mechanisms, simulated behaviors, and the translational function of images.
His solo exhibitions have been held at the Lianzhou Museum of Photography, Jimei Arles International Photo Festival, Houston Center for Photography, Inner Flow Gallery, and Filter Space in Chicago. His works have been widely exhibited at UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, K11 Art Foundation, Museum of China Academy of Art, A4 Art Museum in Chengdu, Zhejiang Art Museum, Today Art Museum, Rathfarnham Castle in Ireland, Kala Art Institute, French Pavilion in Croatia, Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art, among others.
His works have also been showcased at the UK Format Photography Festival, Netherlands Unseen Photo Fair, Singapore International Photography Festival, Athens Photo Festival, Copenhagen Photo Festival, Lodz International Photography Festival, Photo Shanghai, Art Xiamen, and Art Beijing.
Zhao Qian has received the Houston Center for Photography Annual Photography Award (2019), was a finalist for the Art Sanya Award (2020), and was shortlisted for the Jimei Arles Discovery Award (2022). He has also been awarded academic grants to participate in artist residency programs at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, A4 Art Museum, Points Center for Contemporary Art, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Organhaus Art Space, Vermont Studio Center, Kala Art Institute, and Cow House Studios.