Cloud Gate
....a sculpture by Anish Kapoor,
quickly achieved the status of icon for Chicago's Millennium Park.
Summer 2009
The Park's Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture
from China, includes:
Jia Shan Shi No. 46 by Zhan Wang
With a degree from Bejing's Central Academy of Fine Arts, the artist is known worldwide for his stainless steel 'scholars' rocks.'
A sheet of steel, hammered over the original rock, alters the form to "reflect ...the cultural transformation of changing times.
The artwork symbolizing the adaptation of Chinese cultural tradition to..." modern life.
Ancient Lake Tai rocks originate in an area near Suzhou, the Garden City of China. Elemental components in the design of Chinese Scholars' gardens, their resonant profiles emerge throughout the entrancing landscape of
Representing 'yang,' the uniquely convoluted limestone rocks are a treasure;
their solitary forms looked upon as artistic focal points.
En masse they rise up in watery grottoes, to rim lake beds,
or create the appearance of a mountainous terrain.
In dramatic contrast,
Millennium Park's Contemporary Chinese Sculpture exhibition featured
Windy City Dinosaur by Sui Jiaguo,
a professor in the Department of Sculpture at China's Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Considered an experimental artist, his work "references...cheap, mass-produced goods" that China exports, as it questions "the source of China's economic prowess..."
Click on link below to read more about Millennium Park
I didn't know the dinosaur had a meaning behind it. I thought they just put it up there to delight the kids. Now, I like it even more.
ReplyDeleteFun sculptures to see!
ReplyDeleteThese are creative works of art. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteMr BT,
ReplyDeleteGlad to share that bit of info.
My husband had dismissed the wrapped Lake Tai rock without realizing its import. I was taken with it, and more so after learning of the concept behind it. He certainly appreciated it more after realizing the cultural significance of its alteration.
Heather and Autumn Belle, my pleasure!
Your post brought back memories of very happy times with my grandchildren in Millenium Park when my son and his family lived in Chicago. You should indeed be proud of your home town.
ReplyDeleteThanks providing the background to these sculptures. Understanding the artist's motivation can be a crucial part of appreciating art.
ReplyDeletePam, I'm impressed with your current garden projects! How neat that you have an insider's knowledge of Chicago and Millennium Park.
ReplyDeleteMMD, Having an entree to the conceptual aspect of a work is indeed crucial to fully experiencing it. By the way, I'd love to hear how your welding class is turning out!
I'm a great fan of outdoor sculpture, especially in a garden setting. The two seem to compliment each other. The sculpture definitely benefits from not being stuck in an enclosed room.
ReplyDelete