the future is stupid

Putting a (literal) twist on the Night in the Museum phenomena, sans a Stiller, artist Cai Qup Qiang perfectly positions wolf replicas in a way that makes one wonder if these canines may have once been members of the woodland version of the  synchronized swim team. It is kitschy and cute. It’s entertaining, a word that isn’t always taken as a compliment in the art world, as evident in the New York Sun article which explains the controversy surrounding Qiang’s newest collection. Specifically drawing debate is the issue that Qiang’s exhibit, through failing to comment on political or social issues, in no way incorporates an intellectual element to his creation of art and instead overly emphasizes the less esteemed ‘entertainment factor.’ But I take art reviews with a grain of salt, as should you. Sure, this exhibit is a little obvious. You know, in the way that it is perfectly ‘postable’ for Design Boom or Kanye’s blog. But hey, there is nothing wrong with liking a piece not because it is highfalutin or gut wrenching, but sometimes you just like it  ’cause it is cool.

-J.