Bust Study (AP)
- Jiao Xingtao, Chinese, 1970-
- Born: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
"Bust Study (AP)" is a Christo-like wrapped bust. Brown packaging paper – printed with Chinese text and western brands like Coca-Cola – covers a Classical bust form, perhaps a portrait of Mao. Jiao Xingtao’s work comments on what he views as overly materialistic and consumerist attitudes of contemporary society. Like consumer goods, Jiao’s sculptures lure the viewer with aesthetically pleasing packaging, creating a desire to unwrap and uncover the contents. He is inspired by everyday items such as discarded bags, boxes, and wrappers, and uses fiberglass to transform them into sculptures. These disposable materials were once the enticing packaging that attracted buyers to even the most mundane consumables. The combination of a Chinese icon with American brands refers to the popularity of western commercial culture in China, and perhaps since a Chinese icon is packaged as if for export, to the current popularity of Chinese art in the West.
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