Getting modern life into shape

• Source: Global Times
• [09:14 September 02 2010]
• Comments

"Most of my public work deals with water, because water is life. It is also abstract, a changeable concept and a basic element," said Edelstein.

"The flow of water encompasses time and connects with the environment - concepts I find in Taoism and Zen."

The smooth forms of American Joy Brown's piece City Fantasy constitute three obviously relaxed figures that seem to be very much at odds with the frenetic pace of the city.

They bring to mind the notion of a slow-paced, contemplative life that is ebbing away in cities around the world, though perhaps still exists in Shanghai to a degree.

The work lends support to environments that allow communities to interact, aptly capturing the meditative, communal quality of that outdoors Chinese-chess-and-street-food lifestyle that Shanghai still thankfully retains.

Chen Wenling's highly abstract piece China Scene No.1 comprises a large silver mass that appears to have the consistency of treacle, with thick stalactites dripping down from its underside.

The work, which sometimes takes on an animalistic aspect, inspires an awareness of potential energy, reflecting the city's potential for dynamic change and reinvention.

The park itself has undergone some commendable landscaping and is a fitting main location for the exhibition.

There is a conspicuous use of water in the park, with one particularly striking feature; a sloping bank with a slatted metal surface, which shimmers with an almost digital quality as the water flutters over its form.

Date: Until October 31

Admission: Free

Visit www.jisp.cn for details