COVERSATION WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Written by Li Xiangqun
Different Perspective originally refers to the visual error made by people, that is, the visual illusion we have often called. As one of the human sensory organs, eyes always cause a certain difference from the objective world when observing the world. The so-called different perspective is not only caused by the human’s naked eyes’ inborn limitations and obstacles, but also by the imagination and thinking brought about by the culture’s deep foundation. Everything has its inherent continuity and regularity. Therefore, the differences in visual feelings caused by the different identities, cultural backgrounds and perspectives of the audience do not only show in the eyes, but more in the hearts and in the minds. From this point of view, it is this difference in vision that provides us with such a rich visual experience and cultural thinking, which is just like the way we look at the history. Some people agree with the recognized opinions of the history; while some other people doubt about the opinions. And the truth of the history is closer to a true and complete one just in such a circumstance of doubts and questions. If we have a thorough examination of those usual visual feelings people are used to have, we can find more clearly that the so-called visual illusion fundamentally is a totally different perspective and understanding of the world we have neglected when looking at the world. In this sense, the so-called visual illusion is just an addition and improvement of the vision.
This work We are Walking on the Road expresses such a theme from a point different from our habits: Mao Zedong is an ordinary person just like us. Some people have deified Mao, so he was placed on a high pole, which is like a pillar altar. One can only look up at him and worship him, and his feet he lifted could never be put down. This artificial perspective results to a neglect and indifference to the human nature. To express the inherent quality from a human point of view is an addition and exploration of Mao Zedong, as well as his profound thoughts.
The work Seals also expresses a theme from a different perspective: in the Chinese historical and cultural traditions, seals symbolize the royal power. The ancient officials also usually used the seals as a token. In a sense, seals are a symbol of power. However, Cai Zhisong has added a concave convex lens on his seal. From this lens, people can see the deformed human beings and selves. Its deep cultural meaning is to reveal that the deformation is not just visual distortions, but more a reflection of people's inner, spiritual distortions.
Another work by Cai Zhisong Rose also implies such a theme: Rose is a plant, an organism of a being; while the artist has turned it to be a lifeless inorganic substance through the cooling and solidification on the materials. To artificially cause the demise of a lively life is also a special way to express the artist's personal different perspective.
Jiang Jie's artwork Animals Babies brings a strong impact in vision, bloody human babies and animals babies indicate the vulnerability and helplessness of life, and also hint the cruelty and indifference of the laws of nature, which brings out the people’s deep fear. However, behind the cruelty and apathy, his works have also bred a strong desire for life.
Things are multi-faceted and three-dimensional, and the most valuable exploration and efforts by an artist is to reveal those aspects people have not found or noticed. Those works exhibited here not only reflect the unique and deep perspective of the artists towards the world, but also provide the audience a brand new point of view to understand a thing.
