Xiao Lu (肖鲁) is regarded as an influential figure associated with the radical and experimental ‘85 New Wave movement – and is considered one of China’s first feminist performance artists. In a newly acquired photographic series, she conjures Taoist philosophy and spontaneous calligraphic expression by tipping ink and water over her body. Contrast @XiaoLu_1616’s performance with work by the Qing dynasty official Qian Nanyuan in China – The past is present at NGV International. 1: Xiao Lu, One (detail 1) 2015, printed 2017, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2019 © Xiao Lu. 2: Installation view of works by Xiao Lu and Qian Nanyuan in China – The past is present at NGV International.