Cai Guo Qiang meet Frank Lloyd Wright
Absolute power may corrupt absolutely, but often times power is of great necessity. Such is the thought that Thomas Krens, now former director of the Guggenheim in New York, must have had when Cai Guo Qiang was invited to put on a retrospective at Frank Lloyd Wright’s last masterpiece. The museum was transformed into something reminiscent of a Universal Studio’s tour as action and the consequences therein seem to be the underlying theme. As the first showing of its kind for a Chinese artist at this institution, the Guggenheim is a natural choice for Cai Guo Qiang as the spirit of the place is in the same avant-garde vein as his art. Although the New York Times branded the show as “crowd-pleasing, easily deciphered if not terribly original art”, let us not forget that, as we reported during last November’s Christie’s auction, this is the same man that broke records for Chinese contemporary art when his gunpowder and ink set went for $74.2 million HKD. So what can one expect from the show which runs until May 28? Some cars being thrown around, lots of gunpowder, and maybe even a boat. Yep, just like I called it, it’s a total studio tour.
Crouching Tiger, Funky Terminal
Beijing’s latest feat in time for the Olympics, the Titan terminal, is now open for business. This dragon shaped amalgamation of glass and steel, designed by the crème de la crème of British architects, Lord Foster, made its debut last week. According to The Shanghai Daily, “the terminal, the world’s biggest of its kind, is designed to evoke Chinese icons. The building’s deep red pillars and 360,000-square-meter gold roof represent the capital’s Forbidden City and a flying dragon.” Convenience was also a key concern when designing the latest addition to the airport. In addition to a high-speed train that can take passengers downtown in 15 minutes, there are numerous restaurants to fit both your palette and your time, a number of shops to load up on duty free purchases, and “a state-of-the-art system that can handle 19,800 bags per hour”. Now that’s better than a kick in the face.
Peking Opera 101
Students returning to class last week found something new on their school schedule. In addition to the 3 R’s, there was a P. That P is for Peking Opera. With the influx of outside influences becoming exponential, the central government has decided to shore up China’s education system by adding opera classes that protect Chinese culture and traditions. However, not everyone is embracing the new curriculum with open arms. “In a survey by Netease, a news portal in China, nearly 70 percent of respondents were against the project.” Some parents also feel that students in China are already under tremendous pressure, and having Peking Opera will only take time away from other substantial subjects like math. There’s also the idea circulating that Peking Opera shouldn’t be nationwide as there are many forms of local music that deserve attention as well. According to Yuan Li, a researcher with the China Institute of Art, “it may be good for Beijing kids to learn Peking Opera, but is it fit for a Tong nationality kid in the remote Guizhou province?” Hmm, chalk this one up to the waiting game. Only time will tell if this new initiative burns bright or fades away.
Image: Head On by Cai Guo Qiang
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