He began working with gunpowder explosions as an exploration of the history of China. He makes this material the main element in his art, not seeking to associate it with the idea of destruction or violence but rather with its original function, which was communication. His work makes references to intercultural exchange, spirituality and the power of nature. For this exhibition the artist will make one of his great gunpowder explosions and create one of his gunpowder drawings.
Centro Julio Gonzalez - GalerÃa 8
Curator: David Rodriguez Caballero
He was born in China in 1957 but left his native country in 1986 and moved
to Japan, where he studied and began to produce his first works, acquiring
national and international recognition. In 1995 he moved to New York,
where he now lives. In all the places where he has been he takes native
materials, rooted in their culture, and includes them in his art.
That is why he began working with gunpowder explosions in 1984, as an
exploration of the history of China and its connection with gunpowder. He
makes this material the main element in his art, not seeking to associate
it with the idea of destruction or violence but rather with its original
function, which was communication.
In addition to themes such as national and cultural identity, Cai’s work
makes references to intercultural exchange, spirituality (especially in
connection with oriental philosophy) and the power of nature. His projects
are interspersed with historical references, specific places, events and a
set of ideas of contemporary art. Through the use of elegant metaphors he
achieves poetic universality.
The artist has created two events exclusively for the IVAM; he will make
one of his great gunpowder explosions and create one of his gunpowder
drawings, which will explode on the museum terrace. The exhibition will
provide a survey of his latest performances in leading cultural
institutions such as MoMA in New York, Tate Modern in London and the
Kunsthalle in Vienna.Next May 22nd at 12 am the artist will present the
pyrothecnic event Black rainbow in the river park between the Trinidad and
Real bridges.
IVAM
C/ Guillem Castro, 118
46003 Valencia