BBC – Known for his provocative pictures and poetry, Ren’s often explicit work had been exhibited in galleries all over the world. He shot for major fashion brands and magazines such as Gucci and GQ China.
Details of his death on Friday are still emerging, but he is believed to have taken his own life.
Dian Hanson, editor at German publisher Taschen, said Ren had fallen into a “crushing depression” in October which was “intensified by global political instability. The months of pain finally proved too much”. – read more