A tower for a mountain is an assumption in geomancy, the symbol of a Holy Land, the gathering point of worship, and the origin of city development. It is always our aspiration to live with poetic flavor, ascend a height and enjoy a distant view. This group exhibition of OFOTO Gallery is the presentations of the artists’ understanding, thinking and creation of “Pagoda”. As everyone has different cognition of pagoda, I now write this essay to give a three-dimensional shape to that image of pagoda from my childhood memory. Interestingly, when the Eiffel Tower was in the planning, the French society disagreed. Maupassant once said : “if the Eiffel tower is built in Paris, I will leave the city forever.” and when the Eiffel Tower was completed, Maupassant frequently went to the top floor restaurant. Facing people’s questions, the literary giant calmly responded: “Because this is the only place in Paris where I can’t see the Eiffel Tower.” I want to say that we are just a screaming baby in front of the known and unknown. Nevertheless, the obsession and exploration is the highest merit that can not be declined.
Excerpt from The Merit at the Spire of a Pagoda by Chen Haiyan
Artists: Cao Yingbin, Chen Zanyun, Christopher Taylor, Dong Wensheng, Han Dong, Han Lei, Hong Lei, Li Dongyuan, Li Jie,Luo Yongjin, Shen Ye, Wang Yabin, Wang Zhongjie, Wu Yuntie, Zhang Jijun, Zhou Yongjie
EXHIBITION
Pagoda
May 9 – June 27, 2914
OFOTO Gallery & ANART
2F, Building 13, 50 Moganshan Rd.
Shanghai, China
