The Second Guangzhou Triennial, 'Beyond'

Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Hou Hanrou and Guo Xiaoyan

As a result of touring the video show 'Biennale! Artist Film and Video' around China there was the opportunity in August 2005 to go to Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, a tropical island on the South Coast of China. This island is the base of RedSkyArt (http://www.redsky-hk.com/), an artist collective and project space started by artist Weng Fen. The collective includes teachers, photographers, graphic designers and municipal city planners and they have together been making work addressing the island's urban development using a unique access to government planning data. As part of the visit there was a brainstorming session that resulted in the inclusion of some of my work for a proposed installation for the 2nd Guangzhou Triennial. This work was a collaboration between Weng Fen and myself, with him using my images and then turning them into a propagandist billboard series for their imaginary city structure.

In November 2005 I went back to China to make the work for the triennial and help them with their installation. This was part of the 'Self Organised' section of the exhibition, a massive section including independent Chinese art spaces and special projects by Videotage, Tank Loft, Vitamin, BizArt, amongst others.

Left: typical view of Guangzhou. Right: streets near the 'International Club', the 3rd triennial site and site of the 'Self-Organised' section

Weng Fen and Huang Xue Bing arrive at the site.

Weng Fen and partners inspect a 2000 Kg steel egg being manufactured 3hrs from Guangzhou

Left: Road trip. 3hr taxi ride with prints for the exhibition. Right: Guangzhou-type delivery of my AV equipment

Left: Giant egg: DVD players and plasma screen assembly.. Right: Poster structures for my work.

Vinyl Poster/Billboards in situ with planting in progress. Text in collaboration with Weng Fen.

Windows being removed for egg arrival.

The final installation. In the foreground is a city model made from 10, 000 eggs (chicken, quail, ostrich). In the background another poster image of mine and photgraphy by Weng Fen. Floor is covered by graphic animal motif.

'Crowd Roar Ascending', animation in custom box. Graphic motif cushions, Hainan aerial photography to back.

And a little time to catch other works at the Triennia. Left: a fun theater piece with social commentary by Cao Fei, 'PRD Anti-Hero'. Right: an amazing architectural intervention by Wong Hoycheong, the addition of a bamboo minaret tower to the museum.

And a sampling of local delicacies.... street food: barbecued oysters with garlic & chilli paste...