Extremely innovative artist, Cai Guo-Quiang, does not make art the normal way. Instead ofdrawing or painting with pencils and brushes, he uses explosives. “The most powerful artwork is where there’s fear”, Cai says. This quote emphasizes the feeling of both the danger and excitement his truly powerful artwork encompasses. His masterpieces can efficiently grab the attention of people and move them in a way that motivates them to express themselves in a similarly unique way such as Cai does.

His two main strategies of utilizing explosives are either aerial fireworks or on-paper detonations. Cai makes a trail of gunpowder into a picture and ignites it in front of a live audience. A spectacular performance is always put on. One of his most famous works, “Head On,” replicates 99 life-sized wolves that shoot up into the sky. This exquisite work of art not only appears magnificent, but also truly revolutionizes the whole art industry. He seems to create a message that reveal the true world in which viewers live.

Cai was also the Director of Visual and Special Effects of the 2008 Summer Olympics and has received many awards for his work. With his internationally renowned creations, he holds a very influential grasp on the mind of many who enjoy his pieces. Particularly moved by his performance arts, his audience leaves not only with their eyes blessed, but also with a piece of Cai’s opinions and viewpoints.

Cai has developed his own artistic language and is able to express himself through different techniques. He uses his art to convey and connect other people to social issues prevalent around the world. An individual’s creativity, attitude, and artistic concept can represent their own society. This also means that an individual has the ability to change the world around him with his art. Art provides people with creative expression, which serves as a strategy to bring attention to some issues around the world;Cai does exactly that. He makes beautiful and creative masterpieces in order to convey his feelings about the world around him. Cai brings a unique and attention-grabbing strategy to the table to approach a whole new level of communication.

<Juyoung Lee Granada Hills Charter High School 10th>