Touchable: With Hand, Probably With Mind Too

It seems Sui Jianguo (b. 1956) is experimenting, obviously with the help of natural forces. To be specific, gravitational pull being the latest, has coauthored with him in artworks that change in shape and dimension with passing time. If viewers find themselves not shocked enough by his dripping paint sculpture, they would probably find it hard to contain their amazement (or amusement?) when eye-witnessing giant ice cubes melting away on a gallery floor. No doubt, the ice cubes make a mess after their disappearance within hours. But Sui’s efforts do leave an indelible mark on viewers’ mind. The artist’s sensitivity to time and the universal, mystic force of gravity does grab viewers’ attention. This said, Sui’s latest exhibition at Pace Beijing once again shows us what the all-mighty force is capable of.

On display are gigantic geometric objects in charcoal black color – cubes, cones and cylinders, to name a few – which stand aloof or cluster in groups. Thank the high ceilings of the gallery, these “ugly” (this might be a wrong word to describe the first impression; it can be aesthetically beautiful at the same time) beasts are housed and tamed for our visual pleasure. But one thing first-time viewers would immediately notice is the slight deformity of these objects. As the titles suggest, this is because of the gravity and the fluidity nature of the medium being used. Well noted, plasters and polyurethane are the main material here, which is more commonly found at construction sites rather than in gallery spaces.

Sui Jianguo, Gravity Field, 2015, mixed media, 17 x 8 x 5.4m.

Sui Jianguo, Cone, 2015, polyurethane, 160 x 265 x 185cm.

Sui Jianguo, Stick, 2015, polyurethane, 56 x 65 x 393cm.

Sui Jianguo, Hollow Square, 2015, polyurethane, 85 x 84 x 84cm.

Interior of the gallery of Pace Beijing, photographed by MC in 2015.

More information about Sui Jianguo's exhibition:

"Touchable"
Pace Beijing
Duration: 9th July to 22nd August, 2015
Web Link: http://www.pacegallery.com/beijing/exhibitions/12753/touchable