The Second Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane, Australia, 1996 : Report

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS AND SELECTED ARTWORKS EAST ASIA CHINA Cai Guo Qiang has realised large-scale projects, often under the title Project for extraterrestrials, in a number of cities around the world, including H i roshima, Fukuoka, Oxford , Bath and Vienna. During the Second Triennial the artist presented a series of nine gunpowder drawings entitled Dragon or Rainbow Serpent (Nine Dragons) . These drawings relate to the gunpowder explosion event entitled Dragon or Rainbow Serpent (Fire Dragon) which was scheduled to take place in the Brisbane River on 28 September. Unfortunately, due to an accident at the gunpowder factory, this major event had to be cancelled . The Gallery, however, is pursuing re-scheduling the event in the near future. Dragon or Rainbow Serpent is inspired by the artist's perception of the similarities between the Indigenous Australian Rainbow Serpent and the Chinese Dragon legends. The river's serpentine shape further emphasises the connection of the work with these legends. The work, although deeply linked to ancient wisdom, engages with contemporary l ife and culture. Chen Yan Yin's work draws upon themes related to female experiences - both physical and psychological. Originally a sculptor she has recently turned to installation art. Her sensitivity to the specific nature of different materials enables her to create very evocative, often confrontational works. Her i nstallation, Discrepancy between one idea, comprises hospital intravenous bottles and tubes as well as six hundred roses, and is a metaphor for the flow of life and l ove . The work can be better understood with reference to the artist's statement: We live in the vast sea of desire. We came to this world again and agai n , because we are indulged in it. But the sacred wish is often an illusion in our heart. We have no ability to refuse enticement each time. The Discrepancy between the desire , the language, the expression in one's eyes and the sense of touch is in the exchange. It is continuance and development in all the time and everywhere. The Discrepancy even gets bigger and bigger. We are unable to stop this discrepancy and each time we fail we i njure our heart. 2