The Gao Brothers have a solo exhibition at China Art Archives Warehouse, which is also known as Ai Weiwei’s art space in Beijing. The brothers and Ai Weiwei are the most controversial figures in the Chinese Contemporary art world therefore it is significant that Ai Weiwei co-curated and hosted this exhibition.

Two Portraits of Karl Marx

This is the first time the Gao Brothers have publicly shown their large scale portrait series. Although the brothers are most well known for their sculptures, such as their massive Lenin Head and their notorious M.A.O’s Guilt, their paintings and photography are equally conceptually strong.

Two Portraits of Saddam

These paintings are monumental in size. Each painting is 300cm by 400cm (about 10 feet by 13 feet). In this series the brothers analyze the impact of media on these controversial figures. The portrait of childhood, which the public has not seen, versus the portrait of the dictator, a portrait that has so much impact and significance, is quite thought provoking.

Gao Brothers and I at the opening in front of Two Portraits of Hitler

In addition the portrait of the dictator is painted like an abstract painting. Up close all you see are lines and gradations of colors, only when you step backwards does a figure appear. Therefore they are suggesting that the audience should always read between the lines.

Although these works are not considered as controversial as most of their other works, Beijing is lucky to have the opportunity to see these paintings before they are shipped to the USA. This might be one of the first and last times to see these works exhibited on the mainland.

“To protect the right of expression is the central part of an artist’s activity. … In China many essential rights are lacking, and I wanted to remind people of this,” Ai Weiwei

China Art Archives Warehouse
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