I'm always oscillating between if I should sprinkle more gunpowder or less. But if I put too much gunpowder, there may be holes throughout the silk. If not enough, the power and energy would not be shown.
Cai Guo-QiangRead
For my art, there is a common theme most of the time: it is using the things we can see to search for the world we cannot see.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the idea of using visible subjects in art to explore deeper, unseen concepts and emotions.
Cai Guo-Qiang suggests that his artistic expression revolves around a fundamental theme: employing what is tangible and observable to unveil or probe into the mysteries, emotions, and perspectives that lie beyond our immediate perception. This approach implies a deep connection between the visible and the invisible, where the outward representation serves as a gateway to a more profound understanding of the world and the human experience.
Themes
ArtPerceptionInvisibleExplorationEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In an art exhibition, the curator opens with this quote to frame the artworks displayed.
More from Cai Guo-Qiang
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Cut word lines β Cut music lines β Smash the control images β Smash the control machine β Burn the books β Kill the priests β Kill! Kill! Kill!
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