A Metaphor for Being: Marc Quinn holds first exhibition in China

World
Europe

03:50

British artist Marc Quinn is known for his audacious use of materials, ranging from ice blocks, glass and marble, to biological DNA, blood and other organic elements. The acclaimed artist is bringing some of his major works to Beijing, for his first solo exhibition in China. Li Qiong tells us more.

"Bread hands" is one of Marc Quinn's most iconic works. Since 1991, the artist has repeatedly traced the contours of his own hand in bread, each time creating a slightly different shape.

The series of works, originally intended to form an indexical pattern of the artist's own physical identity, is being given a fresh interpretation.

LI QIONG BEIJING "I'm now joining the volunteers to make a bread hand of my own. This is the first time the artist has invited visitors to participate in the creation. They told me to make something unique, so that I could recognize it when it's exhibited on the wall."

And this is what's capturing the imagination of art lovers at the exhibition, whether they're making hands or feet.

SHEN HENG VISITOR "Every participant here would like to make his or her sculpture outstanding and unique. This is my foot sculpture, with an S on it, the initial of my surname. It'll be easier to find my own foot shape among the others."

When baked, each one results in a unique sculpture. Through this experiment, the artist is suggesting that our destiny is within our own power and changes with every decision we make.

Another series of Quinn's – 'body alterations' – has proved inspirational to many – particularly the sculpture Zombie Boy. It depicts Canadian Rick Genest, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 15.

Over a number of years after that, Genest covered himself head-to-toe with tattoos of his complete skeleton.

In creation of the sculpture, Quinn gave the boy a special facial look.

Marc Quinn is considered one of the leading artists of his generation. His work explores recurring themes of art and science, the human body, emotion, and the perception of beauty. In his Beijing exhibition, he sets out to present his enduring interest in identity by drawing together works from across his 30-year career and from multiple series.

The Marc Quinn exhibition runs through May 1 at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. LQ, CGTN, BJ.