Tian Taiquan Reaches the Masses with Solo Exhibition
On Saturday, March 14, 2009, the Hide and Seek Tian Taiquan Solo Exhibition opened at the Museum of China Cultural Arts (MoCCA) to an enthusiastic crowd of mainstream and arts media, VIP guests, fellow artists and an array of other visitors, both international and Chinese. The sheer diversity of this crowd was an excellent foresight into the positive response that MoCCA expects Tian Taiquan’s latest oeuvres to receive in the near future.
Tian Taiquan’s Works Shown at MoCCA
Though highlighted by the photographer’s most recent foray into the world of society and art, the Blog Series, the Hide and Seek opening displayed just how comfortably dynamic the artist can be in the darkroom and at his desktop. Pieces from the Marks, Lost and Jin Ping Mei Series provided the stimulation that visitors already familiar with Tian Taiquan were expecting. For those not well-versed with his previous work, all four series were a thoughtful and provocative introduction to what American audiences will see this coming June.
Show Opening Welcomed A Diverse Audience
An Enthusiastic Media Crowd At The Opening
Reflecting on the theme of the social media and grassroots implications of the Blog Series, the art world witnessed what was likely the first appearance of an internet celebrity at an art exhibition. To the surprise of all, Big Sister Furong (Furong Jie Jie)—one of the blog personae that Tian Taiquan has portrayed—made an exclusive cameo, posing coquettishly in front of her portrait and interacting with visitors and media alike.
One Of Furong Jie Jie’s Signature Poses
Accompanying a healthy turnout of arts-specific media (over 20 arts publications came to cover the event) was the unprecedented attendance of many mainstream media. As major internet portals and daily newspapers like QQ.com, Sina.com, The First, and Beijing Evening News normally do not pay homage to art exhibitions, their presence championed the greater overall significance of Hide and Seek and its creator. Several rave reviews have already hit the Chinese press, and more are guaranteed to find their way to public ears in the coming months, especially from international media.