Diversionist is part of the Cosplayers Series from 2004. In Cosplayers Cao depicts the popularity among Asian youths of “cosplay” in which daily life is merged with images of video games and popular films. For many, this virtual reality is an outlet to “transcend” the paradox of a developing society in which the pleasures of consumption and depression of alienation go hand-in-hand. Cao sensitively captures the new social consciousness and activism, beautifully translating them into photographic and video works.