by Wang Shugang’s “Meeting”
As part of the Vancouver Biennale for 2014 – 2016, some installations of sculpture are on display in North Vancouver City. Yesterday evening we happened to be in the neighbourhood of Ray Sargent Park on Lonsdale Avenue, right by the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art (seen in the background of the second image). I was excited to view the works of two internationally noted artists’ works.
The first group of figures, made of painted bronze, is by Wang Shugang of China.
It is not without irony that the red figures are placed in a circle, static and crouching with cupped hands, open to various interpretations, from one of thoughtful contemplation to one of latent energy ready to leap up. Wang Shugang’s installation for the Vancouver Biennale, Meeting, is painted a shade of red that is known as Chinese Red, the colour associated with the Chinese government and communism.
According to the artist, “… the colour red has multiple cultural meanings in China, historically representing happiness but during the Cultural Revolution it symbolized terror. Today red is the colour of the faded lettering praising Mao on the ceilings of the factories, coats of the Buddhist monks and the colour of wedding decorations”.
Besides noticing the sense of contemplation mentioned, I felt that there is some humour here as well! Children do love them. I’m only sorry that the light was not ideal for photography at this time of the evening so please visit the link for better photos and also more information about the artist.
(I will show photos of the other artist’s work in the next post.)
August 13, 2014 in Art Exhibitions, Other artists by Marja-Leena
Expectant!
Ah yes – what is the decision to be made at this meeting?
Oddly they remind me of Aristophanes’ Frogs – brek-kek-kek-kek-ko-ax-ko-ax! Godd to have you back, looking forward to more.
Lucy, hee hee! These are indeed very frog-like! This may be the main reason children love them.
I must look up Aristophane’s Frogs. I had studied some ancient Greek plays at U but that one is unknown to me.
Glad to be back with some cooler rainy weather at last! My brain is working again though family visits continue to distract…
I agree wholeheartedly with Lucy on both counts.
Thanks Olga!
It’s a beautiful gathering of a group that actually looks very approachable. That he chose that particular shade of red with its multiple meanings was ingenious.
I’m happy to hear your weather has cooled and dampened a bit.
Susan, yes, the choice of red makes quite the statement, doesn’t it?
And I’m loving this coolness while it lasts!
Don’t know why this pleases me so much, but it does.
Hattie, it may be the touch of humour in the figures thenselves and as a group, and that red is a happy colour (at least to westerners).
Mmm, instantly thought of little red tropical frogs (adorable but dangerous creatures.) I’d love to see some pictures with children…
Marly, you have made me wonder if there are dangerous little red tropical frogs in China that might have influenced the artist.
I’m sorry I had no children with me but if you click on the artist’s name, you will see some photos, two of which feature children with one of the figures.