Phoenix

by Xu Bing

Born in Sichuan in 1955, Xu Bing is widely considered to be among the most important Chinese artists working today. The Phoenix, the mythical bird that crosses civilizations and eras, has a central role in the artist's latest productions. Xu Bing’s Phoenixes -- made of random common materials used in building construction -- are allegories of the tremendous changes that occurred in China since the opening of the country and illustrate the contrasts within its "renaissance." Xu Bing will be unveiling his new Phoenix at the 2015 Venice Biennale this May. His piece will be located over the water between two boathouses at the Pavilion at Arsenale – Giardino delle Vergini. The 56th International Art Exhibition, titled All the World’s Futures and curated by Okwui Enwezor, will be open to the public from 9 May to 22 November 2015 at the Giardini and Arsenale venues.

Hardcover

About the author

Xu Bing is a Chinese-born artist who lived in the United States for eighteen years. Currently residing in Beijing, he used to serve as the vice-president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. He is most known for his printmaking skills and installations pieces, as well as his creative artistic use of language, words, and text and how they have affected our understanding of the world.