Step Into Digital Dreamscapes in Cao Fei’s ‘My City is Yours’

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As a seasoned art enthusiast who has traversed the globe to immerse myself in various artistic movements and expressions, I must say that Cao Fei’s solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales is nothing short of breathtaking. The fusion of reality and surrealism, the juxtaposition of the old and the new, the blending of cultures – it’s a symphony of visual experiences that resonates deeply with my own journey as an art lover.

Stepping into this bustling cityscape feels like a homecoming of sorts, a testament to the transformative power of urbanization and digital revolution that I’ve witnessed in cities across the world. The replica of the Hongxia Theatre, the nostalgic echoes of yum cha at Goodbye Marigold – these are not mere installations, but vignettes from the vibrant, pulsating lifeblood of our contemporary moment.

Cao Fei’s work is a mirror reflecting our collective fears, fantasies, and aspirations. It’s a poignant reminder that technology may change our lives, but it’s how we choose to wield it that truly defines us. And as I stood there, surrounded by the echoes of my own life experiences, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony – here I was, lost in a digital cityscape, yet searching for the very essence of humanity.

Oh, and by the way, remember to bring your dancing shoes! Hip hop: Sydney is not a show you want to miss. Just don’t forget to twerk with caution – the last thing we need is a global dance craze starting in an art gallery!

Over a period of over 20 years, the artist Cao Fei, based in Beijing, has captured the fast-paced urban development and digital transformation of China by creating captivating movies, photographs, and grand-scale, immersive projects that reflect the dynamic energy of this bustling city.

Currently, she is set to unveil her Australian solo premiere with the exhibit titled “My City is Yours“. This captivating display can be experienced at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until April 13, 2025. Breaking traditional gallery boundaries, the exhibition takes on a lively, dreamlike urban layout. Scaffolding stands in for walls, and an array of installations vie for your attention.

Stepping into this 1300-square-meter gallery, I find myself immersed in the artistic journey of a fellow creator, showcasing her milestone pieces alongside freshly commissioned works. As I enter through a recreated Hongxia Theatre, once demolished, I’m swept up by nostalgia and the charm of art deco, with the 2019 film Hongxia playing on an ATM screen in the cinema lobby. In Goodbye Marigold (2024), I get a taste of the iconic Sydney eatery, Marigold, reborn, featuring salvaged chandeliers, mirrors, and dim-sum trolleys.

In addition to both locations, Fei is set to premiere two upcoming projects in 2024: “Hip hop: Sydney,” a globetrotting music video, and “Golden Wattle,” an emotional tribute project using archival materials for Cao’s deceased sister. Notable pieces like “Cosplayers” (2004) and “Nova” (2019) will also be featured as part of the display.

As a gamer, I step into Fei’s world, a realm reimagined in partnership with Beau Architects from Hong Kong. This space is not just about reinvention, it’s a mirror reflecting the apprehensions and dreams of our current era. For me, it’s less about the technology itself and more about how it molds the emotional journey for the player, reshaping our lives in profound ways. The artist puts it perfectly: “I am fascinated by how technology impacts our feelings, our existence.

Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road,
Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia

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2024-12-30 21:26