China Contemporary Artistic Installation “0 MPH” Interprets F1 China Grand Prix
A shining dinosaur skeleton lied in the crystal body of the F1 racer, and a modified hand tractor was provided various luxuries facilities including bar counter and Karaoke, with F1 racers running like greased lightning in the background… These immobile “vehicles” caught the eyes of guests. It was the large-scale installation work by Li Hui and Shi Jinsong during F1 China Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit Grandstand Club, which was considered as another big show of Chinese contemporary artistic works.
Sports and arts have always been considered as an approach for international exchange beyond languages. Since opening of F1 China Grand Prix in 2004, it has attracted worldwide attention, needless to say the international awareness of Shanghai. Artistically, Shanghai Art Fair and Biennale, with increasing international influence and business performance, are the best window of China contemporary culture and arts to international stage. The cooperation between sports and arts are always welcomed, which is the best represented by the popularity of Opening Ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games. However, the cooperation with OV Gallery with Shanghai International Circuit, despite the small scale defined by the venue, can be considered as a top interpretation in terms of exhibition and exhibits.
In “Amber”, work by Li Hui, it seems the shining dinosaur skeleton inside the vehicle transferred its power to the ultimate modern racer, leaving visitors deeply impressed with its spirit and the evanescence of the worldly affairs in the course of time. Dragonair No.1 by Shi Jinsong, was a hand tractor integrating all agricultural functions and luxuries facilities, which was equipped with several functions in modern life including bar counter and Karaoke. The functional sophistication of a hand tractor made us feel ridiculous, while it may be the real sketch of China culture. With its openness and uncertainty as always, China contemporary arts resemble the economic-openness-themed period. The road from all rules to no rules, then seeking for rules and breaking rules, is much like the road of China contemporary arts development.
On one hand is the lightening F1 racer with 300 km/h and 4 times of acceleration of gravity at the curve ; on the other hand, you are trying to calm down, waiting for the “zero-speed” “vehicles” to take your mind far far away. If speed is taken a standard, then it is a null one here.
