CAI ZHISONG

His major works consist of the Motherland series, Rose series and Clouds series (exhibited at the Venice Biennale).

Created in the end of 1999, Motherland series took Cai 16 years to complete. Divided into three parts as Custom to Motherland, Ode to Motherland and Refinement to Motherland (the same name as three parts of Chinese Book of Songs), Cai’s Motherland series is a combination of skills from different regions as well as different historical periods. Drawing inspiration from statues created during the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 - 206 BC and 206 BC - 220 AD, respectively), the artist depicted figures who resemble dynastic leaders, warriors and servants, but this time giving them new significance and actuality. Combining traditional aesthetics with contemporary concepts, materials (fiberglass, resin, copper, plate, brass wire) and non-traditional poses, Cai fused past and present offering a new interpretation of globalization and cultural exchange to the audience. His works are an attempt to establish an indigenous form of contemporary art whilst trying to promote the idea that art should be pluralistic as opposed to the tendency in the modern art world that, despite its seeming diversity, harbors the danger of uniformity.

He was the first Chinese to win the prestigious Taylor Prize at the Paris Autumn Salon, 2011 becoming the highest honor won by Chinese artists in its 103 years history. In 2014 he won the first Rockefeller Chinese outstanding young artist prize.