Alongside artists such as Zhang Huan and Ma Liuming, he photographed the birth of experimental performance art, exploring photography not merely as a means of documentation but as a profound method of self-expression.
In 1996, with the aim of opening up new horizons for photographic expression in China, he co-founded the avant-garde photography magazine “NEWPHOTO.” The publication challenged conventional notions of photography and became a vital platform for introducing the ideas and expressions of young photographers to both domestic and international audiences. RongRong and Inri began their collaborative journey in 2000, and in 2007, they co-founded Three Shadows Photography Art Center, the first space of its kind dedicated to the research, production, and display of photography in China. In 2016, RongRong and Inri were the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize at the Sony World Photography Awards.
Situated in Beijing’s Caochangdi Art District, Three Shadows Photography Art Center was China’s first independent organization specializing in contemporary art photography upon its founding. It was jointly founded by the influential Chinese contemporary photographer RongRong and his wife, the celebrated Japanese photographer inri. Since June 2007, Three Shadows has become the country’s premiere platform for the presentation, promotion, discovery and international exchange of high-caliber photography. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre is comprised of two spaces, north and south: one is situated in Beijing’s Caochangdi Art District, while the other is located in Xinlinwan, Jimei District in the city of Xiamen in southern China.
The Beijing location includes 4600 square meters of space and 2600 square meters of landscape architecture designed by famed artist and architect Ai Weiwei. The Xiamen location includes more than 3600 square meters of space and was designed by Liu Na of the celebrated firm LARGEarchitects. Aside from its exhibition spaces, Three Shadows Photography Art Centre also includes +3 Gallery, image production facilities, an educational program, and a cafe.