微精选

“Sky Ladder” is one of the most representative and legendary works of Cai Guo-Qiang’s artistic career. This dream originated from a childhood whim—building a ladder to the sky. In 1994, he first attempted to realize this project in Bath, England, but it failed due to airspace permission issues and bad weather. In 2001, he tried again in Shanghai but was thwarted once more due to security concerns following the 9/11 attacks. In 2012, in Los Angeles, the permit was revoked due to the risk of forest fires.

Despite repeated setbacks, Cai Guo-Qiang never gave up. In 2015, he chose to locate the project on a small fishing island off the coast of his hometown, Huiyu Island Port. This time, he did not seek government permission but instead fully self-funded the project. “Sky Ladder” is a ladder reaching 1,650 feet high, supported by a giant balloon and equipped with explosives. When this monumental sculpture was ignited, it created a miraculous fiery scene ascending to heaven, as if truly connecting Earth to the sky. This artwork is not only Cai Guo-Qiang’s ultimate exploration of fireworks art but also a carefully prepared gift for his centenarian grandmother. He has worked on projects worldwide, but his grandmother has never seen them in person. He hoped that through “Sky Ladder,” she could feel his love and respect for her.

历史的足迹：2008 年北京奥运会开幕式烟花项目 ©Hiro Ihara

五环金环：2008 年北京奥运会开幕式烟花项目 ©Hao Yuanzheng

Regarding this, Cai Guo-Qiang has his own perspective. He believes that artists worldwide collaborate with governments to host large-scale events like the Olympics, which is understandable. He emphasizes that as an artist, he focuses on the art itself rather than politics. He hopes to engage with the broader world through his works, conveying a positive spiritual force.

牡丹盛开：2008 年北京奥运会开幕式烟花项目 ©新华社

During the fireworks display project for the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a conflict arose between Cai Guo-Qiang’s creative vision and government officials. His original plan was to break away from China’s traditional exaggerated, loud, and ceremonial style, using non-traditional dynamic imagery and abstract explosions for the performance. However, during communication with government officials, many of his unique ideas were rejected, and the project ultimately became a standard fireworks display. Cai Guo-Qiang felt disappointed but did not give up; instead, he invested more energy into creating “Sky Ladder,” a project that completely bypassed the national government.

蔡国强 /《樱花满天的日子》之“黑色海浪”/ 2023 ©Saint Laurent 、 Cai Studio

蔡国强 /《樱花满天的日子》之“樱花绘卷”/ 日本磐城四仓海岸 / 2023 ©Saint Laurent 、 Cai Studio

蔡国强 /《爆炸工作室》/ 2019 年 2 月 21 日下午 3 点 / 庞贝古城露天剧场完成 ©Yvonne Zhao

蔡国强 / 《遗产》（装置视图）/ 2013 ©Mark Sherwood, QAGOMA

In his creative process, Cai Guo-Qiang emphasizes interaction and experience with the audience. He hopes to inspire their imagination and reflection through his works, fostering deeper exchanges between art and the audience. His works not only visually stun people but also provoke spiritual contemplation on life, nature, and the universe.

蔡国强 / 《生命的季节：夏季》/ 2015 年 ©蔡国强

蔡国强 / 《罂粟系列幻觉一号》/ 2015 ©蔡国强

Cai Guo-Qiang’s artistic achievements have been widely recognized by the international community. His works have been exhibited at museums and art institutions worldwide, such as the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Tate Modern in London. He has also received numerous honors and awards, including the “Prix Matisse” in 2009, known as the “Nobel Prize in the art world.”

蔡国强在玻璃和镜子上创作的火药画被点燃，《非品牌 5》 ©Luo Sang

As a successful artist, Cai Guo-Qiang understands the importance of artistic heritage. He hopes that his experiences and works can inspire more young artists to bravely pursue their artistic dreams. He often communicates with young artists, sharing his creative experiences and insights to help them advance on their artistic paths.

Cai Guo-Qiang believes that being an artist is challenging but highly meaningful. He encourages young artists to have their unique perspectives and innovative spirits, unshackled by traditional ideas and established patterns. He believes that by adhering to their artistic pursuits and continuously striving and exploring, they can succeed on the artistic path.

Cai Guo-Qiang’s artistic career is like a spectacular fireworks display, igniting countless people’s passion and longing for art. His “Sky Ladder” is not only a heart-stopping artwork but also a symbol of his artistic exploration and life pursuit. With fireworks, he connects Earth to the sky and the past to the future, conveying reverence and love for life, nature, and the universe.

蔡国强火药画《绘画的精神》在马德里雷诺斯大厅的点燃 / 2017 ©Museo Nacional del Prado

On his future artistic journey, Cai Guo-Qiang will continue to write his own legend with fireworks, illuminating more people’s hearts with art. His works will forever remain in people’s memories, inspiring generations of artists to bravely pursue their artistic dreams, continuously explore and innovate, contributing their strength to the development of world art.