Two Artworks of Chinese Artist Cai Guo-Qiang are Permanently Displayed in MGM

MGM announced to permanently display two iconic gunpowder artworks made by renowned Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang in MGM Cotai, which are also added to the MGM Chairman’s Collection. Cai Guo-Qiang is a well-known artist in China, including among his many works the role of Fireworks Director of the celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The two artworks are entitled Alchemist and Study for Uffizi: A Bouquet of Flowers No.1, which would share the extraordinary charm and special artistic energy of gunpowder art to Macao locals and global visitors.

Alchemist and Study of Uffizi: A Bouquet of Flowers No.1 are the prominent artworks of Cai’s latest project ‘An Individual’s Journey Through Western Art History’, which kicked off in 2018. Alchemist was on exhibition in Cai’s solo exhibition ‘The Spirit of Painting: Cai Guo-Qiang at the Prado’ in 2017. The artwork is inspired by the alchemist symbolism of ‘the green lion devouring the sun’ to underline the energy conversion brought by gunpowder and the explosive creativity of human beings. On the other hand, Study of Uffizi: A Bouquet of Flowers No.1, based on flowers that appear on Renaissance artworks, was exhibited on Cai’s solo exhibition ‘Flora Commedia: Cai Guo-Qiang at the Uffizi’. Precious Italian flowers cover the exploded colourful ashes to draw out the subtle connections between the nature, the universe and the sentiment. In addition, it uses flowers to illustrate the emotions of nature, the universe and the artist, creating a dialogue with the world of civilization.

In addition, the documentary Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang was screened at MGM Theater on 5^th October. Following the documentary screening, there was a dialogue between Cai and the 600 visitors. The session was concluded with Cai’s surprise, a director’s cut of the firework performance to mark the 70^th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. During his stay in Macao, Cai Guo-Qiang also attended the prize-giving ceremony of the 30^th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest as a guest of honour.