“Dash” is the book published on the occasion of the exhibition by Chinese artist Cao Fei, held at Fondazione Prada in Milan (9.4–28.9.2026).
The volume is divided into seven sections, each introduced by a text by the artist, guiding the reader through the different phases of her research. The sections “Farming,” “Rice,” and “Cotton” document her fieldwork in Asia through photographs, archival materials, interviews, and essays that explore the relationship between humanity, agriculture, technology, and spirituality.
The sections dedicated to “Dash” include images from the eponymous video, a science fiction story written by Cao Fei, and the development of a virtual reality video game.
Finally, the section “Dash (Exhibition)” presents the exhibition through a critical essay, production materials, costumes, drawings, and the checklist of works.
A project by Cao Fei
Editor: Mario Mainetti
Introduction by Miuccia Prada
Conversation between Cao Fei and Rem Koolhaas
Texts by Sven Beckert, Yang Beichen, Francesca Bray, Cao Fei, Louise Fresco, Wang Hongzhe, Yuk Hui, Catherine Nakalembe, Nopphol Chotirat
Interviews by Ai Haipeng, Wu Chongqing, Justin Gong, He Xiongkui, Hu Lian, Ju Xi, Anucha Mangkhalang, Mangkorn Sakdarak, Mann Ou, Sang Phan, To Kosal, Qui Tran, Tong Wei, Paricat Veesom, Wen Tiejun, Xiao Yanqiang, Shi Yan, Zheng Tao
Graphic Design: Evi O
Softcover, pp. 660, 1572 ill.
Format: 17x22,7 cm
English with Italian translations
