Dream City series (2007-08)From my understanding Gao Xiaowu has never had a nine-to-five job—and he’s proud of it. However this good fortune reminds him of the millions who struggle among the mass of Chinese society. His Dream City sculptures (2007) present one view of such people: balloon-shaped men and women with tiny wings, who seem to be rooted and grounded to the earth, yearning to fly. The effect is both poignant and inspiring: these figures cannot fly. The artist writes: “I am looking for a world without reality … let’s go to a world without reality.” In the meantime, his work celebrates those who will never escape reality, yet never abandon hope. Gao Xiaowu’s pieces are a reflection of modern Chinese society, and portray innately Asian manerisisms and mental traits that combine to create a collective Asian identity. Through his works I feel as though touch on the political climate of a pre-post communist China, if that makes any sense. His work remains very optimistic amongst the uncertainty of China’s politics. He speaks of the positive energy of the Chinese people as well as the pursuit of happiness occupying the mind of man or woman, regardless of age or social standing.
http://www.odetoart.com/artist.php/3861BDBE-1DE6-4AF0-B2D6-7524DDA3869A,Gao%20Xiao%20Wu
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