Beijing Escorts: Artist brothers test Chinese boundaries
The Gao brothers’ “Portraits” exhibit in Beijing. Over the years, the brothers’ exhibits have been raided, their works confiscated and power shut down in their studio. (Li Pei, For The Times / August 11, 2010)
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That’s what puts the brothers at the fore, said “Portraits” curator Ai Weiwei, who is no stranger to controversy, having served as a design consultant for the famed “Bird’s Nest” Olympic stadium until he became a vocal critic of Beijing’s handling of the 2008 Summer Games.
“Most Chinese artists just want to make money,” Ai said during an interview in June at his Beijing studio. “They’re filled with internal cowardice…. They’re just looking for material success, and because of that the work becomes so empty.”
The Gao brothers’ art, on the other hand, is a stark appraisal of some of the most sensitive elements of Chinese society, from politicians to prostitutes, Ai said.
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