A Pyrotechnic Art Exhibition Explodes Into A Blossom On The Steps Of A Museum

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Cai Guo-Qiang  was the genius behind the special effects for both opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. To this day I still believe the Beijing Olympics ceremonies is the best large format exhibition I have EVER seen. It was truly amazing.

Guo-Qiang is at it again with a commission by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to create a site-specific explosion event on the front facade of the museum. The project, titled “Fallen Blossoms,” used a gunpowder fuse, metal net, and scaffolding to activate a blossom pattern for 60 seconds, temporarily setting the columns of the building ablaze.

The title for the event and corresponding exhibition is derived from a classical Chinese proverb “hua kai hua luo” which comments on the extreme loss felt when a life is ended unexpectedly. The title and event were also meant as a tribute to the Museum’s late director, Anne d’Harnoncourt.

Guo-Qiang currently lives and works in New York, but was born and trained in stage design in China. I really love his work.  Share this amazing exhibition with your cool and crazy friends. Pass it on!