in ,

Controversial Artist Cao Fei to Present a Kinetic Sculptural Installation in Singapore

2020 is less than a month away, but the art activities next year look promising already. For starters, one of China’s most celebrated artists, Cao Fei, will present a new large-scale kinetic installation right here in Singapore. Titled Fu Cha, the exhibition is part of the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission and will take place at the National Gallery’s rooftop, juxtaposed against the backdrop of Singapore’s skyline. 

RMB City: A Second Life City Planning by Cao Fei
RMB City: A Second Life City Planning by Cao Fei

Fu Cha will study Asia’s history of migration, Singapore’s identity as a port city and even the fengshui of the gallery’s rooftop garden. Now, you must be thinking, who the heck is Cao Fei and why should I care about this exhibition? Here’s where we tell you that Cao Fei is a shape-shifter in the international arts community — she’s known for her social commentary on Asian societies and her works have been displayed in notable venues like Paris and New York. 

Credit: Myrzik and Jarisch
Credit: Myrzik and Jarisch

We’ll let her portfolio do the talking — here are Cao’s most noteworthy exhibitions to hype you up for her upcoming one here: 

Cao Fei: House of Treasures, Inflation! West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong
Cao Fei: House of Treasures, Inflation! West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong

 

Cao Fei: House of Treasures, Inflation! West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong
Cao Fei: House of Treasures, Inflation! West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong

House of Treasures, a 15-metres long inflated roast suckling pig at the exhibition, Inflation!, in Hong Kong. Cao came up with this idea to represent her everyday experience in Southern China, where suckling pigs represent good luck.

Cao Fei, Asia One, 2018. Multichannel color video installation, with sound, dimensions variable. Commissioned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York for the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative
Cao Fei, Asia One, 2018. Multichannel color video installation, with sound, dimensions variable. Commissioned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York for the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative

Cao’s contribution to One Hand Clapping, a series of works by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. In this piece, Cao examines the new realities and potential crisis driven by automation and robots. 

A still from Cao Fei’s video, Cosplayers
A still from Cao Fei’s video, Cosplayers
A still from Cao Fei’s video, Cosplayers
A still from Cao Fei’s video, Cosplayers

In this video, Cao explores the imagined identities of cosplayers in China, who are often shunned by the older generation. 
Admission to Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission: Cao Fei is free. Visit National Gallery’s website for more information.

Date: 17 Jan-25 Oct 2020
Location: Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery, Level 5, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore 1 St Andrew’s Road Singapore 178957
Opening hours: 10am-7pm
Admission: Free

Christmas Wonderland 2019: Insta-Worthy Backdrops, Lobster Rolls & Carnival Games

Why Outpost Hotel is Set to be the Next Hot Staycation Spot