About the artwork
Base is 40x40x100cm The City Dreams series depicts plump figures with pairs of small wings that express the distinctive smile ever-present in Gao's art. The figure aspires to soar like an angel. However, in reality, his clumsy body is unwieldy and his little swings are unable to support his weight. This represents the helplessness of those living in the metropolitan area - who never give up their dreams even if they conflict with reality. Gao writes: "Everyone is born naive and romantic. There is nothing more beautiful in the world than this. Men created civilizations and cities. Meanwhile, we are distancing ourselves from human nature. The dream I had in my childhood when I was in the countryside, was of the city. The dream I dreamt while I was in the city, was of the countryside. I am busy and tired of living in the real world."
About the artist
Gao Xiao Wu was born in Sanming, Fujian province, in 1976 and currently lives and works in Beijing. He enrolled in the sculpture department of Xiamen Art Academy before continuing his studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing and graduating in 2004. Basing his work on the lives of ordinary people in the city, as well as an exploration of his own identity, Gao Xiao Wu's work has been shown in solo and prestigious group exhibitions and is included in high-profile art collections worldwide including the White Rabbit Collection, Australia; DBS Group, Singapore; Park Hyatt, Shanghai and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.