58-year-old Gu has been dabbling in macrophotography since 2014, enlarging details and designs of mundane objects to reveal the intricacy often hidden to the eye. (Photo : China Daily)
Critically acclaimed film director and photographer Gu Changwei recently unveiled his latest production at the exhibition halls of National Art Museum of China. The artwork was inspired by Chinese currency notes, challenging Chinese people’s perception about money, China Daily reported.
Gu said that he's been thinking about turning money into artwork for quite some time now.
"The Chinese have gone through days of the rationing system, then the planned economy and the market economy of today. Money becomes a symbol of success and the standard to measure one's values," Gu said. "Love it or hate it, people trap themselves in a complicated and inexplicit relationship with money."
58-year-old Gu has been dabbling in macrophotography since 2014, enlarging details and designs of mundane objects to reveal the intricacy often hidden to the eye. Sixty of his works are currently being shown at an exhibit called "The Vision" at the National Art Museum.
The exhibit starts at the central hall, where visitors are greeted with a prism installation featuring projections of the tones of the 100-yuan note. Moving on, a video plays scenes of daily life outside the Great Hall of the People in slow motion.
Macrophotography has allowed Gu to focus on the yuan's details, such as the anti-counterfeit markings, patterns of lines and dots, and even codes of the notes.
"Like a note being printed and circulated, people are born and embark upon different life paths. Everyone tries to be the master of his own fate but that ends up being a difficult task," said Gu.
When asked whether the exhibit questions the concept of wealth, Gu said he is undecided on the conclusion. The main focus is to provoke the audience, he said.
