Loved this momentual exhibition showing the full force of QZJ's creativity and his intellectual take on the modern society topics using contemporary art language. Was surprised (pleasantly) how UCCA allow - and fund - QZJ to do this huge work. It took up the entire space of UCCA which is BIG! It is by far the largest single, specially-made, site-dedicated work by one artist I have seen. The wrecked ship at the entrance captured attention for sure! The 30 gigantic, hanging "letters" painted in ink to his daughter is a touching, personal expression of a major change in his life. The cut-up buffalos remind me of Daimen Hirst, but of course are distinctly different too. The origin is from the farming roots and the Chinese way of painting buffalos. I finally see how his whole Nanjing Bridge project idea played out. Had to admit that when I first see it in Hanart in HK - which is phase 1 only - I didnt felt as much impact from the work. I read the critics (Karen Smith etc) and understand the smart choice of subject - Nanjing Bridge as a understated but important sign of the rise of Communist China, and the modern events surrounding it, ie, the "popular" choice of the site for suicides, etc etc. But only with this work (phase 3; phase 2 was another installation in Shanghai a year ago) I fully appreciate what QZJ is trying to say with his work. Great impact! Although it's only March, it's easily one of the better shows in 09!
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