Cai Guo-Qiang

b. 1957, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
lives and works in New York City

Nothing, it seems, is impossible for the Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. He dreams of communicating with outer space, and he realizes his fantasies through the most spectacular, but also short-lived projects, which often include exploding fireworks. Fireworks, says Cai, which were invented in China, represent the essence of Chinese culture. Cai grew up during the Chinese revolution and saw how explosives could be put to good and bad use. Fireworks in Cai's art are used to make canvas drawings. The patterns left by the explosions are indeed redolent of the dynamic dance of the dragon, a fascinating composite of coincidences.

Cai uses fireworks in larger projects as well, to visualize space and time. His 1993 work Project to Extend the Great Wall of China by 10 000 Meters: Project for Extraterrestrials no. 10, can apparently be seen from outer space. Cai says he is interested in the universal perspective, not simply the human dimension and the human gaze. With a universal perspective you can escape earth and its polluted environment and cultural conflicts. Because Cai's work addresses the world beyond Earth it serves as a time tunnel providing a means of escape, a chance to discover new perspectives.

Many have interpreted Cai's work as an attack on Western culture's dominance, and as an argument for a fresh transcultural space. It alludes also to Western art, as when the 2001 An Arbitrary History: Roller Coaster invited the public on a roller coaster trip around the room, to survey famous French paintings fixed to the ceiling. But the Western influence is mixed with references to Chinese language and history. Cai wants to spark debate on cultural difference, confrontation, understanding and misunderstanding. Debates generate energy and new responses and idioms which could help restructure intercultural relations. The 2001 sculpture The Eagle has Arrived might therefore lend itself to a reading in terms of the debate on cultural difference and similarity across the EU. The old fishing boat and oars are from Marseille, the spears from China. The mounting arrangement is inspired by the Roman galley. Roman soldiers were armed with long spears and their galleys, with their many oars, were effective means of transport. Upside-down, the ship resembles a bird in flight, kaleidoscopic wings outstretched. The eagle has always attracted imperial associations, but it is a dangerous carnivore too. We find in this work, as in several of other works by Cai, an amalgam of ideas to tease our curiosity, a sense of playfulness to entertain us, and a critical spirit to offer us glimpses of truth.