The Power of Symbols
In the summer of 2007, an unprecedented experimental work went into creation in my studio on the Lower East Side of New York City. The news that the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games would be held in Beijing at 8 P.M. on August 8, inspired me to create the works of 8 PM, August 8, 2008 and 0:00, July 1, 1997.
Ever since we came into this world, numbers and symbols have provided us with certain communications or hints, which program our lives. The track of our life is made up of all kinds of numbers, which bring us happiness and sadness and also rmake some days remembered forever.
At 8 P.M. on August 8, 2008, we believed that happiness and joy would burst into the atmosphere. The number 8 signifies good luck and great fortune, according to traditional Chinese culture; therefore, everyone will subconsciously release a positive energy for this number. It is not necessary to investigate how powerful or magical the number is; what's more important is that Chinese people hope everyone in the world can feel our tremendous pride and happiness. However, where is the significance of the other numbers and symbols before we reach day No. 8? Who will care for or record these numbers and symbols? Therefore, I decided to make a countdown from April 30th, 2008 to record these 100 days through my own art forms, for every single day is important for fortune.
I returned to Beijing from New York in February 2008, and started making preparations and ordering materials. At the same time, the production of MY 2008 was completed. On April 30, I started the countdown of 100 art works by repeating one method of creation and one kind of color to deepen the impression, which was similar to the colors of 1960's in China, when gray tunics and green army uniforms were everywhere. Red was my choice because it was the color deep in my soul that was dazzling and desirous, representing blood and loyalty. Nevertheless, the unpredictable Wenchuan earthquake of May 12 brought my work great and unexpected changes. The disaster and suffering of the people during the earthquake rescued my work from sole unity, pouring unforgettable memories into these art works.
These 100 countdown works contain two kinds of scales, with several colors and numbers joined together to express information and feelings. They have been arranged in a certain order to be performed as a folk song, rising and falling in cadence, and with bright and shades of lights that tell the stories of the past 100 days.
Every page turned is worth our retrospection. When a common number or an ordinary calendar appears in front of you, it will bring different people different information, which may be most private. It is the very beginning of creation when these numbers or symbols start to communicate with your soul, try to enter your memories and involve your imagination.
Ai Jing September 28, 2008