Falling Back to Earth is one of the most dramatic exhibitions to be held at GoMA, the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.
Cai Guo-Qiang’s large scale installations and explosion events have made him one of the most innovative figures in contemporary art. Falling Back to Earth is the artist’s first solo exhibition and is exclusive to GoMA.
The 2 photos below are postcards of “Heritage” and “Head On“. These exhibitions were too big for me to get good photos. I will show you bits in a moment.
“Heritage” is an installation of 99 replicas of animals from around the world, gathered together to drink from a single waterhole. It is based on an image that came to Cai Guo-Qiang after visiting North Stradbroke Island. This pristine environment embodies Cai’s perception of the ‘last paradise’, far from the cares and conflicts of the rest of the world, and his utopian vision is conveyed with an almost reverential solemnity.
A single drip falls from above to create a tiny ripple on the perfect surface of the water.
The installation fills the huge room and visitors are invited to walk behind the animals. Children and adults were enthralled on the day I visited.
Like “Heritage”, “Head On” is made up of 99 replica animals. A graceful vertical loop of wolves hurl themselves into the air, only to hit a glass wall before returning to the beginning.
Eucalyptus is a magnificent native eucalypt which was earmarked for clearing for an urban community development. Cai invites the viewers to look closely at the tree: to ponder it’s varied and changing colours, shapes and textures, and to imagine its past.
As usual the interactive area for children is excellent. The children create their own objects – a boat, a tree or an animal – which echo the symbols of Cai’s work.
The exhibition continues until 11th May 2014…don’t miss it!