CV
Xiatong Cai is an environmental researcher currently living in Norway. His approaches to art are informed by a profound commitment to environmental issues and a keen understanding of the global challenges we are facing. His journey as an artist and researcher has led him to participate in a variety of projects across China, Canada, Belgium, Norway, and France, where he has gained diverse perspectives and skills.
Cai mainly uses lens-based media with analog techniques, through which he merges documentary techniques with storytelling. This combination allows him to express his critical thoughts and reflections on the rapidly changing world. His work is a thoughtful response to the complexities of our lives, blending personal insights with broader social commentary. Drawing from his international background and interdisciplinary training, Cai is leveraging the power of art as a tool for reasoning.
Educations:
Visual Art Programs (part-time)
· Bookmaking II: Critical Content
Jun. 2024-Aug. 2024
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
· Darkroom II: Advanced Techniques
Jun. 2024-Aug. 2024
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
· Potraits in situ: Environmental Portraits
Mar. 2024-Apr. 2024
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
· Project Development II: Print to Exhibition
Nov. 2023–Dec. 2023
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
· Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization
March 2022 – Aug. 2023
The Museum of Modern Art, New York, US; through Coursera
· Academy of Art Photography
Jun. 2023 – Aug. 2023
Supervised by photographer Ivan Vander Biesen in Leuven, Belgium
· Analog and Alternative Photography
Jan. 2023 – May. 2023
Supervised by photographer Ivan Vander Biesen in Leuven, Belgium
· Food Photography
Jul. 2022–Aug. 2022
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
· Photography Basics and Beyond: from Smartphone to DSLR Specialization
Oct. 2021-Jun. 2022
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.; through Coursera
Publications:
· The Disappearing [Art Book], ISBN: 978-1-0689437-0-6, Aug 11th 2024
· After Retirement, Time Issue, PhotoED Magzine (print+digital accepted), 2024
· The Disappearing, The Eye of Photography Magzine, Feb 24th, 2024
· The Disappearing-It's raining; will the rain ever stop?, Land Issue, PhotoED Magazine (print + digital), 2023
· The Disappearing Wetland, Vol 5, Issue 6, Do it for the grain, Ottawa, 2023
· Potrait photo for Professor Francisco Galante in Book: El artista infinito. La obra de César Manrique en el Complejo Costa Martiánez. Estudio y estado de conservación. March 2022, Publisher: Ayuntamiento de Puerto de la Cruz y Universidad de La Laguna ISBN: 978-84-09-38763-2
· Rideau Canal Locks #1-8 (Online Social Media) at Bytown Museum, Ottawa, Canada, Jun 2022
Exhibitions:
· Transitions (curated by Rémi Thériault), Group Exhibition, Studio Sixty Six, Ottawa, Canada, 19th Jul – 6th Sep, 2024
· Human Meet History, History Meets Us - And Become One, Solo Exhibition, Bytown Museum, Ottawa, Canada (planned in Jul-Aug 2026)
· APEX Juried Exhibit, Group Exhibition, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, March 2024
· Sometimes Brutal, Group Exhibition, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, February 2024
· APEX Juried Exhibit, Group Exhibition, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, March 2023
Artist Talk:
· Sometimes Brutal, Group Exhibition, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, 9th March 2024
Awards:
· APEX Juried Exhibit, Best in Show, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, March 2024
· APEX Juried Exhibit, Longlist, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre Ottawa Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, March 2023
Gallery Collaborations:
· Fragile Landscape Edition 2 of 5, Ottawa Art Gallery Annexe Gallery, Ottawa, Jul. 2024-Jul. 2025 (2,400 CAD, framed)
· Ridges Edition 2 of 5, Studio Sixty Six, Ottawa, Jul. 2024 - Dec. 2024 (2,300 CAD, framed)