Born in Qingdao, Shandong Province in 1968, Shi Haitao graduated from the Department of Stage Art, Central Academy of Drama in 1992. He has long lived and worked in Beijing, with rich experience in stage art practice. Deeply engaged in the field of contemporary art, he has developed a distinctive artistic approach that reconstructs the vision of the world through theatrical spirit.

I. Creative Concept

Shi Haitao’s artistic practice centers on “viewing the world theatrically”. He advocates breaking the boundaries between life and theater, and bridging the gap between the audience and performers. Through his works, he reveals the profound connection between collective experience and human nature. With a particular focus on modes of information processing in the image era, he deconstructs figures and scenes from history and reality from a rational perspective, prompting viewers to reflect on their relationship with themselves and the times.

II. Solo Exhibitions

1. 2016 Glass — Being and Nothingness, Blue Bay Art Park, Qingdao
2. 2019 TIME, Shishang Qingquan, Beijing
3. 2021 Against the Light, Powerlong Museum, Shanghai
4. 2025 Human Theater, Mofemo Gallery, Qingdao

III. Representative Works

1.“Protagonist Series”

Oil on canvas Soong Sisters (2016, 150×100cm), Aisin Gioro Puyi (2016, 200×150cm);

Installation Illusion (2016, 58×43×24cm);

Oil on aluminum installation Bernard Arnault (2020, 50×40×25cm).

2. “On and Off Stage Series”

Oil on canvas Against the Light (2020, 120×220cm), Stage Play: Five Stories by Lao She (2021, 150×20cm), Performance in Water (2020, 150×200cm).

Oil on canvas Audience‑3 (2021, 70×100cm), The Performance Is About to Begin (2019, 45×80cm), Auditorium‑3 (2019, 45×80cm),

My Poor Marat‑1 & My Poor Marat‑2 (2021, 180×300cm).

3. Sound & Color Video

Echoes (2026, 10’02”), reconstructing classic theatrical excerpts to create an immersive social theater experience, exploring individual dilemmas and choices amid social changes.

4. “Seeking Light Series”

Oil on canvas Faint Light (2021–2023, 100×100cm), Actor Moses (2021–2023, 100×200cm), Waiting for Godot (2021–2022, 70×120cm),

At Dusk (2022–2023, 100×130cm), Boundless Snow (2022–2023, 80×150cm).

Oil on canvas Exposure (2023, 100×70cm), Chemical Exhaustion (2023, 90×60cm), Forced Development (2023, 110×150cm),

Corner (2024, 120×70cm), Waiting (2024, 120×70cm).

5.“Grand Curtain Series”

Oil on canvas Red Curtain (2024–2025, 220×250cm), Black Curtain (2024–2025, 220×250cm),

Hand in Hand (2023–2024, 50×190cm), Folded Script (2021–2025, 120×120cm).

6. “Theater Games Series”

Oil on canvas Hamlet’s Tears (2023–2025, 200×600cm),

Julius Caesar — Pierced by Ten Thousand Arrows (2024–2025, 200×600cm),

A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Games of Desire in the Forest (2024–2025, 200×600cm).

IV. Art Criticism

Shi Haitao’s works embody three layers of theatricality: infusing life with drama, turning the audience into performers, and rendering actors into fiction. His creation dismantles the boundary between reality and theater, allowing conflicting theatrical spirit to permeate all dimensions of life.

His works not only carry in-depth interpretations of literary and philosophical classics, but also respond to the spiritual dilemmas of contemporary society. Through open-ended expression, they leave abundant room for reflection, and are regarded as “a unique paradigm for negotiating the relationship between the self and the world in the image age”.