Since 2000, the works by SHI Yong have been primarily focusing on "illusion and reality". Once again in Gravity - Shanghai Night Sky, illusion of reality is captured by the artist via a set of photos showing skyscrapers in Shanghai against night sky covering large areas of images, appearing diffusive and illusionary. These constructions are displayed solely with their tops, which differs tremendously from magnificent and overwhelming impression people usually maintain of modern buildings, as if they were somehow attracted to the bottoms of pictures by a bizarre force, giving a look that is obscure as phantasm. Dreamily bright and vibrantly coloured, however, the sky in this work reflects faithfully Shanghai at night. At the same time, light tubes in every single box are intentionally numbered and arranged so that they speak double fictions of desire and illusion. In contemplation of Shanghai, a city designated as paragon of encouraging overseas investment during economic reform, Gravity - Shanghai Night Sky questions mega buildings and their significance which is unboundedly intensified. Deep into the ideal and anticipation germinating from urban development, reality and illusion perhaps belong to a same body.
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