The work is in many ways tied to the grand traditions of science,
philosophy and the arts; both eastern and western. Taoism, yin-yang, herbal
medicine, acupuncture, set design and painting were all studied by the artist. Early
on he was largely taught by his father. He now often imprints his images on
canvas using processes akin to wood cuts, silk screens, and block print. He manipulates
line, color, form and light using a process that is uniquely original; almost totally
his own. The principle medium of choice for Cai Guo-Qiang is pyrotechnic, gun
powder.
Cai Guo-Qiang lays out his own stencils, patterns and actual
items like plants and organics directly onto his large canvases. He then
sprinkles on explosive colored powders, adds card board on top then lights a
fuse. The results are astonishing.
He often does live in air shows that fit squarely into what
comes to mind when we think of fireworks.
But don’t be fooled; these extravaganzas are moving, beautiful and
inspiring in the spirit of the greatest art created in any medium. His
challenging and rewarding presentations are magnificent.
The experience and studies of theater set design is vividly
expressed in Cai’s instillation pieces. Wolves and tigers made of paper Mache,
plaster, resin and painted sheep’s hide dominate many of his most famous and
revered works. These shockingly realistic animals are shot with arrows, dangled
from ceilings and careened into transparent fiber glass walls by the hundreds.
Among Cai’s most talked about pieces is “Inopportune: Stage
One.” It was part of his extravagant exhibition at New York’s Guggenheim. Hung
from the top of the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright atrium were multiple cars;
cars embellished with intermittently blinking led light rods. Each Positioned
to simulate a single car flipping and rolling downward as if in a bombing or car
crash. All in a word: Spectacular!
Public Television has feature Cai on it’s broad cast of the
BBC series “Civilizations.” This is a must see for art aficionados. The entire
series is eye popping and intricate. The segment on Cai Guo-Qiang; again, spectacular!
Netflix’s “Sky Ladder” is another recent illuminating documentary featuring the
contemporary giant.
One of the world’s most sought after and exceptional art world
super stars; Cai Gio-Qiang continues to shock, awe and inspire in the best of
ways. May his brilliant efforts and dedication to creative excellence thrive for
many years to come.
