Gao Brothers continue to rile art world with Lenin-Mao sculpture

Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong are long dead and buried. But like Jesus Christ, they are continually resurrected by artists looking to get a rise out of curators, collectors, journalists and government censors.

One of the latest incarnations of communism's most recognizable faces is a large-scale sculpture titled "Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head," on display as part of the Vancouver Sculpture Biennale. The artwork, created by the brothers Gao Zhen and Gao Qiang, features a giant bust of Lenin's head with a small figure of Mao on top performing a balancing act.

As was reported Sunday by the Vancouver Sun, the stainless steel sculpture has been attracting a great deal of attention since it went on display in public in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. "It certainly generates debate,” said one city official. “It is art, and art generates conversation, and remember it’s not going to be there forever.”

The Gao Brothers, as they are often referred to in the art world, have created something like a brand name in repurposing the images of communism's most prominent historical figures.

Their specialty, however, is Mao. The Beijing artists have created works including a sculpture of the former chairman kneeling on the ground (and with a removable head), a series of torso sculptures of Mao sporting large female breasts, and another sculpture depicting Mao in a submissive sexual position.

One of their best-known works is a sculptural installation called "The Execution of Christ," featuring the Messiah in front of a firing squad. One member of the firing squad is Mao.

Their work also verges into performance art. On their website, the artists report on one such performance in which they smashed one of their big-breasted Mao sculptures while wearing Mao masks.

-- David Ng

Photo: Gao Brothers pose alongside their sculpture titled "Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head." Credit: Gao Zhen and Gao Qiang

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Comments

[truth to power]

WOW! cooooool stuff !!

[anon]

I'd like to see a video of how they make something like that.

[Alex Reyes]

If this came in a desk size version as a paper weight, I'd buy one.

[Cate]

The masked maorauders strike again.

[mezzanine2]

I live in Vancouver where the current sculpture biennale is underway. There seems to be a discernible thematic thread running through the show as some of the work comes from contemporary sculpture artists from China.

It has been interesting to follow the debates for and against this work as it has brought up ideas about what is art, what constitutes appropriate art, and whether this piece celebrates the legacies of two very controversial individuals. (I figure the rather pompous look of the work and the silly Mao figure atop it is mean to deflate the profile of these two figures.) Interestingly, opponents have taken an extreme view of the piece, wanting it removed from view.

For visitors attending the Olympics, the many sculptures will provide another attraction for those who'd like another diversion from the sixteen days of sports and athletics.

[Donald Frazell]

Why would you want a diversion from teh Olympics? You ahve teh best in the world at what they do, no opinion, fact through direct competition. This is mankind defined and elevated to his highest abilities. The above is kinda funny, if a overblown waste of materials and energy.

i agree with the above, it would be great as a paperweight. Especially if I worked as a teacher in a political science or philosophy college. It's not bad, not sure if its art, but so what? I only have issues with such things when they become the sole focus and rational of art. Which it probably isnt, not saying such things are useless, just a seperate category or thing altogether.

More a political cartoon given gargantuan godlike treatment. Which in this rare case is kinda appropriate. Scale is seldom given much thought these days, where bigger is always better. Just as Koons purple puppy is kinda cool in Versailles, and his plant one fun, if not serious art, sometimes big does work. Though not with toy trains hung from cranes, which is retarded no matter how you look at it. It could be appropriate in Berlin, which was split because of such people, as is Lenin here sliced in pieces. I dont think Russia or China have the sense of humor right now for such things. Give them time.

But the Olympics are special, they were great here in 84. Its the feel good sentimental stories that ruin it, diverting form the hard work sacrifice and dedication to perfecting ones craft(lacking in art now), that elevates mankind as a whole that is the point. Damn Hollywood sensationalism has crept in to take over sports, though thank god we finally god rid of all those damn pink ties and smarmy pontificating perfected by such idiots as Jim Lampley. He would have been perfect in the artsy fartsy effeminant world of the last 20 years especially. Men do, women nurture what is, wimps whine and attempt to look concerned when truly self absorbed.

We all have roles in life, and Creative Art is to visualize myths of humanity, finding the common bonds of who we are, and focusing mind body and soul on our purpose for being.
Its time we got to work. Though there is room for cultural commentators too, lets simply not mistake one for the other, and eliminate one because it is too difficult and rare.

art collegia delenda est