Celestial Chaos No. 3
Object Label
Celestial Chaos embodies the basic ideas of Chinese cosmology, in which the ever-moving cyclical universe continues to change according to a consistent pattern that is discernible by human beings. People can understand the patterns of the universe as a whole by focusing on the changes taking place within its parts: observing the celestial realms and the seasons, practicing dream divination, and manipulating the hexagrams of the I Ching (Classic of Changes). In Tai Xiangzhou’s turbulent cosmos, surging meteorites enter the Earth’s atmosphere, as surrounding gases cause them to glow brightly. Tai uses antique ink from the Qianlong period (1736–95) in his masterful monochromatic play on silk. While the artist makes references to earlier traditions of Chinese painting, with his materials and techniques, the dynamic combination of light and dark ink with layers of ink wash conveys the high-pressure air in front of the meteors as they come hurtling toward Earth through mist and clouds.
Caption
Tai Xiangzhou Chinese, born 1968. Celestial Chaos No. 3, 2014. Ink on silk, mounted flat, image: 38 3/4 × 77 3/16 in. (98.4 × 196.1 cm) mount: 46 13/16 × 86 5/8 in. (118.9 × 220 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Kathleen Yang in memory of Denis C. Yang, 2018.26. © artist or artist's estate
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Celestial Chaos No. 3
Date
2014
Medium
Ink on silk, mounted flat
Classification
Dimensions
image: 38 3/4 × 77 3/16 in. (98.4 × 196.1 cm) mount: 46 13/16 × 86 5/8 in. (118.9 × 220 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Kathleen Yang in memory of Denis C. Yang
Accession Number
2018.26
Rights
© artist or artist's estate
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