Zhou Xiaoping is a Chinese born and educated, Melbourne-based artist.
Since arriving in Australia in1988 Xiaoping has travelled extensively throughout regional Australia. During his visit to the outback(Arnhem land and Kimberly), Xiaoping encountered the Aboriginal people for the first time. It led him to develop an interest in portraiture and the Australia landscape. Now he has spent a total of three years living in the Aboriginal Communities, including Maningrida, Ramingining, Oenpelli, Yirrikala and numerous outstations in Arnhem Land; Balgo, one Arm Point and Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley; and Yuendemu in Central Australia.In 1992 Xiaoping was employed as the artist in residence at the Maningrida Community School in Arnhem Land.
In 1996 Xiaoping had a joint exhibition with Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike at Jiu Lu Mi art gallery in Hefei, China. This exhibition was the first Australian Aboriginal art has been shown in China. Three years late in January 1999 these two artists had a joint exhibition again at the National Gallery of China, Beijing.
In 2011 Xiaoping has participated as the principal artist in the exhibition was titled: “Trepang, China & the story of Macassan – Aboriginal trade” both at The Capital Museum in China and the Melbourne Museum in Australia. It includes his artworks and collaborative paintings with late Aboriginal artist Johnny Bulunbulun.
Since 1988 Xiaoping has had 36 solo exhibitions all over the world and published two books on his experiences in the Aboriginal communities in China.
Xiaoping has received a several Australia government funds ,include Australia China Council and Arts Victoria in support his art projects . He also as the artist in residence at Golden Dragon Museum and many schools.
Xiaoping was a winner of the 1999 Salon Des Refuses Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award during the 1999 Archibald Prize.
The painting titled “don’t speak for me” was selected in Sulman Prize show in 2011.
The documentary film Ochre and Ink (premiere broadcast on 21 February 2012: ABC1 "Artscape") tells the story of Zhou Xiaoping and his 23-year engagement with Aboriginal Australians.
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