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Stairway to heaven: Artist creates stunning 1,650ft ladder in the sky with FIREWORKS

“Stairway to heaven: Artist creates stunning 1,650ft ladder in the sky with FIREWORKS”

by Edward Chow and Emily Chan via “Daily Mail

  • Cai Guoqiang used metal and gunpowder for the show in Quanzhou, China
  • The ladder, which measured 18ft wide, was taken up using a hot air balloon
  • Artist drew a draft of the show 21 years ago when he visited Bath, England
  • It was a labour of love for Mr Cai’s elderly grandmother who raised him
  • Same artist designed the spectacular fireworks to open Beijing Olympics  

A Chinese artist has found a unique way to express his love to his grandmother: a gigantic staircase in the air.

These stunning photographs show the 1,650ft ladder, which was made with fireworks, stretch right up into the sky in Quanzhou, south-eastern China, on Monday.

This is the work of Cai Guoqiang, an artist who is originally from the city and now based in New York, reported the People’s Daily Online.

Sky Ladder: A Chinese artist has created this incredible burning ladder that stretches for 1,650ft into the sky

Sky Ladder: A Chinese artist has created this incredible burning ladder that stretches for 1,650ft into the sky

Lit up: The artwork, called 'Sky Ladder', is  the artist's way of thanking his grandmother who raised him

Lit up: The artwork, called ‘Sky Ladder’, is the artist’s way of thanking his grandmother who raised him

The ladder, which was made of metal wire and aluminum, was filled with gunpowder and attached to the bottom of a hot air balloon.

The balloon, which was made with special material, was launched from a boat off the shore of nearby Huiyu Island.

Called the ‘Sky Ladder’, the project started off as a dream for Mr Cai 21 years ago when he was visiting Bath, England. He designed the performance by drawing a draft of the design on the window of an art gallery.

He said he wanted to put on a spectacular fireworks show to thank his grandmother for supporting his dream of being an artist.

‘My grandma was born in a small fishing village in Quanzhou and sold fish to help her grandson realise his artistic dream,’ the artist revealed. . . . .

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“More than 100 relics from Yuanmingyuan displayed”

This is where my specialty lies! It’s really amazing to see these on exhibition in China again.**DB

“More than 100 relics from Yuanmingyuan displayed”

via “China Daily

More than 100 relics from Yuanmingyuan displayed

A vase is on display during an exhibition of treasures of the Yuanmingyuan at the Shandong Provincial Museum in Jinan, capital of east China’s Shandong province, Jan 9, 2015. Bronze heads of cow, tiger, monkey and pig, and more than 100 relics from the Yuanmingyuan were on display in the exhibition.

(more…)

Coming Exhibition: Loving Devotion: Enter the Mandala

“Enter the Mandala”

Asia

“Taima Mandala” (1300s – 1400s)

Who:  Asian Art Museum

When: Mar. 14, 2014 – Oct. 26, 2014 (Tues-Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m. – 9 pm.)

Where: 

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA

How Much:  

  • Adults ~ $15
  • Seniors, Students, Youth ~ $10

More Information: Here.

“Mandalas are maps of Buddhist visionary worlds.

Minutely detailed and saturated with philosophical meaning, these works (most often paintings or sculptures) are a feast for the eyes and the mind—nested squares and circles are arrayed to represent the center of the cosmos and the four cardinal directions. For Buddhist practitioners, however, mandalas are not just images to view, but worlds to enter—after recreating the image in their mind’s eye, meditators imaginatively enter its realm.But is it possible to have this experience without years of meditative discipline?  

Enter the Mandala
says yes. In this exhibition, 14th-century paintings align a gallery with the cardinal directions, transforming open space into an architectural mandala—a chance to experience the images in three dimensions, to dwell in the midst of the cosmic symbols and be transported to another world. Visitors can literally “enter the mandala,” exploring places in the cosmos—and perhaps themselves—that might otherwise remain invisible. “

Coming Exhibition: Loving Devotion: Visions of Vishnu

“Loving Devotion: Visions of Vishnu”

Vishnu with Attendants, Bangladesh, 12th century, schist (stone), Collection of the Newark Museum

Vishnu with Attendants, Bangladesh, 12th century, schist (stone), Collection of the Newark Museum

Who:  BYU Museum of Art

When: Sept. 5, 2014 – Feb. 21, 2015 (Mon-Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

Where: 

Brigham Young University Museum of Art
North Campus Drive
Provo, Utah 84602

How Much:  Generally Free, some special exhibits require a ticket.

More Information: Here.

“Featuring a variety of exquisite art objects from the Indian subcontinent, Loving Devotion illuminates the rich heritage and symbolism of Hindu worship in the lives of believers, immersing viewers in the beliefs and culture of one of the world’s oldest and largest religions.

Focusing on images of Vishnu and Krishna that span centuries of history, the exhibition explores how bhakti (the practice of fervent, impassioned devotion to deity) influences the lives and worship of Hindu people and reveals the depth and intimacy of their relationship towards the divine.

Indeed, building a relationship with God is at the core of life’s purpose for the devoted believer, and both Vishnu, the Preserver, and his incarnation, Krishna, are highly revered deities that have both been the focus of significant bhakti worship. Through powerful images of these Gods inscribed on stone, in bronze or in paintings, worshippers and viewers alike are invited to learn that god is love and not fear, and understand how worship can evolve from practice to joyful experience of immense love and devotion. . . . .”

 

Coming Exhibition: Fine Art Asia

“Fine Art Asia”

Who:  

Fine Art Asia
Many different galleries and artists from around the world

When: Oct. 4, 2014 – Oct. 7, 2014 (Sat.-Mon 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)(Tues. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Where: 

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive, 
Wanchai, Hong Kong

How Much:

 General Admission ($26 USD)       Seniors 60+ ($7 USD)       Students ($7 USD)       Children 12- (Free)

More Information: Here.

“Fine Art Asia is recognised by the international art world as the most important and influential annual fine art fair in the region. The fair is known worldwide as a Hong Kong-originated art enterprise, providing a unique and unrivalled platform for art and antiques in Asia.

Celebrating its 10th edition, Fine Art Asia 2014 will host 100 of the world’s most renowned galleries. They will display the finest antiques including ancient Chinese and Himalayan bronzes, ceramics and works of art, Chinese and European antique furniture and decorative arts, Chinese textiles and jades; international fine art jewellery and antique silver; Impressionist, modern and contemporary art and design from both Asia and the West.

Fine Art Asia is staged at the peak of the important art season in Hong Kong and coincides with Sotheby’s auctions in the same venue, attracting a sophisticated, appreciative audience of major dealers, collectors, curators, connoisseurs and art enthusiasts from throughout Asia as well as from all over the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Fine Art Asia 2014 in October!”