Xiaowen Zhu, director of Esea Contemporary in Manchester, discusses her journey and the evolving representation of Asian artists in the global art world. Born in Shanghai, Zhu reflects on her formative encounter with Ai Weiwei's *Fairytale* at Documenta 12 in 2007, which shaped her understanding of diaspora and belonging. She now leads the UK's only non-profit art center dedicated to East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) artists, and serves on the British Council’s Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Group.
This interview matters because it highlights a shift toward fluid, diasporic Asian identities in contemporary art, challenging Western-centric narratives. Zhu points to emerging hubs like the Sharjah Art Foundation, Bukhara Biennial, and Thailand Biennale, as well as corporate patronage from Hyundai, as forces reshaping global art discourse. Her perspective offers critical insight into how institutions and artists are navigating cultural complexity and expanding representation beyond traditional boundaries.