Gao Brothers | A Conversation
THE GAO BROTHERS | A CONVERSATION ...
Concerning East-West Censorship and Protest in the Arts “The Gao Brothers' art is a stark appraisal of some of the most sensitive elements of current Chinese society, from politicians to prostitutes.” - Ai Weiwei, artist, activist and curator of their Beijing exhibition. An Audience Conversation led by Jim Welke (of Artifizz.org), Kristin McCool Kristin McCool (Michigan State University), and Jef Bourgeau (director of MONA) -- free to the public: Saturday, October 18th starting at 3pm. "Their art suggests a worldly, outward sensibility as opposed to inward self-regard. Often they address social injustice. They seem troubled by the inevitable alienation that infects swarms of naïve migrants from small towns and farms to swelling urban metropolises in China and elsewhere. But their work also suggests a wry, ironic view of human existential angst and ennui. The gentle humor in their work often seems overlooked. Their work might be wisely circumspect, but witty all the same. They seem to say that laughter follows inevitable tears like moon and stars follow a thunderstorm." - Jim Welke @ Midtown MONA/Galerie Camille
Suite C 4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 The exhibition has been extended and will run through Saturday, October 25 (closing event from 6-9pm) Regular Hours: 12pm to 5pm Wednesday through Saturday ---------------------------------------------------- Beijing-based artists Gao Qiang and Gao Zhen are known as the Gao Brothers. They have collaborated on projects in a wide variety of media including sculpture, painting, performance, and photography since 1985. Much of their work is inspired by their family’s experience during China’s 1966-1967 Cultural Revolution. In 1968, brothers’ father was arrested as a counter-revolutionary, and days later, died in custody. Their art develops in the post-Mao era and questions the role of the individual within society, bringing to light social issues and delving into the complex nature of human beings. Leading the viewer to reflect about the notion of “social responsibility” their artistic creations also become an "allegory of human emotions". Their art is not only a social commentary but it also presents itself as a manifestation of romantic spiritualism and intense human values. Their wide body of work covers a large spectrum of media, which includes photography, oil painting, installation, sculpture and performance. @ Midtown MONA @ Galerie Camille, Suite C 4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 The exhibition has been extended and will run through Saturday, October 25 (closing event from 6-9pm) Regular Hours: 12pm to 5pm Wednesday through Saturday
