ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2011 Autumn Auction
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    CAI GUOQIANG (b.1957)

    Myth-Shooting the Suns

    1994

    Gunpowder and Ink on Paper
    50×69cm

    Signed \'\'Cai Guo Qing\'\' in English and dated 1994 in Holland

    Estimate TWD 2,000,000-3,800,000
    USD 66,700-126,700
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

Provenance：

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

Tsai Guo Qiang has created an explosives program called “神話, 射日No. 21, Program for the aliens” for the “Black Heart” exhibition held at Kröller-Müller Museum in Netherlands. This “射日神話” is one of the related artworks of the explosion program. 
Tsai Guo Qiang is known worldwide for his explosive artworks. Other than the materials and the borders of the canvas, Tsai has skillfully utilized the visual tension from the weak paper and strong explosives. He has also reached a delicate balance between the contrasting materials, creating a vivid image of the surface. However, Tsai’s uniqueness does not restrain within the innovative materials, it also includes a self reflection and caring of humanism. “A program for the aliens” series is the peak of Tsai’s career. Through concrete element- explosives, Tsai intends to unite spiritual recognition with the reason of the universe. It does not discuss the existence of aliens, the artist wishes to present the life and creation of the universe post big bang, making a conversation between men and creation. This presentation is full of energy and strength but also a deep reflection of the beings. 

“Speaking of the distinction of artworks, I believe in postures but not sticking to the old ways of history…in short, I enjoy tangling together with history.”
-Tsai Guo Qiang

‘射日神話” connects the surprise and imagination for the unknown universe with Chinese mythology. The nine suns flaming in heat connect closely with the mythical Hou Yi and the spontaneous flame during the explosion process. The explosives seem uncontrollable with a hidden danger but also the nine suns. The university, mythology and human connect together in a seemingly empty margin. The destruction from the explosion and the new image after cooling down is like the “sun shooting” in Chinese mythology Hou Yi. It is a destruction but also a birth of new life. During the process of artistic skills and historical classics, Hou Yi’s story is re-created with Tsai Guo Qiang’s explosion.  

“Within the moment, I have mixed time and space together. That moment, the strong energy is also a destructing force, which created an amazingly beauty at the same time. Space, I woke up momentarily afterwards, and realized that my dream was short but fantastic.”

-Tsai Guo Qiang

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