Here at the Today Art Museum stands a giant ant. This is not a movie scene. It is part of Chen Zhiguang’s exhibition. Today we will delve into the meaning of this unusual art. This is \u8682\u8681\u738b\u56fd. It is also known as the Ant Kingdom.
Chen Zhiguang is a contemporary artist from Fujian. His exhibit features two giant sculptures from his “Ant” series. There is also a replica of an old stage from his hometown. The artist calls it “With Dignity.” The local word for stage performance is “timiande”. This is the central concept. Chen was raised to live with dignity. He should fulfill moral and social responsibilities.
The ants may look like real ants. But their insides represent contemporary Chinese people. In local culture ants mean being firm. They are tough and never retreat from a challenge. Chen believes ants are humble. They are often misunderstood. In some ways they are similar to us.
The Ant Kingdom exhibition is at Beijing’s Today Art Museum. It features stainless steel ants. The ants are in various sizes. They occupy the entrance and exhibition halls. A gigantic ant sits on a slope outside the gallery. Visitors walk underneath it to enter the museum.
Chen Zhiguang says ants are tiny. They are common and inconspicuous. Stainless steel is not exceptional. It is not typically used to project high taste. The artist wants people to reconsider these common things.
The “Ant Tribe” is a Chinese cultural phenomenon. Millions of college graduates stay in big cities. They hope to find jobs in their field. Many lack social and financial capital. They struggle in the city’s job market.
Sociologist Lian Si coined the term “ant-tribe”. He compared these students to ants. They live in colonies in cramped areas. They are intelligent and hardworking. Yet they are anonymous and underpaid. The ant-tribe wants to establish long-term roots in the city.
The ants often live in less desirable places. These places are suburban. They may have windowless basement rooms. Eight or more people may share a room. There is often a shared kitchen and communal bathroom. Roaches mice and vermin may be present.
The ants get up early for a long commute. They may pass out flyers or deliver food. If lucky they grind through a trial period. They face high pressure to succeed. But the ants remain optimistic. Big cities offer glamour entertainment and career prospects. Success in the city is a source of pride. Many ants find jobs in their field. They climb the career ladder. Some become homeowners.
Chen Zhiguang’s Ant Kingdom makes us think. What does it mean to be an ant? Are we all just tiny creatures working hard? Or can we find dignity and purpose in our lives? The exhibit ends soon. Don’t miss your chance to see these giant ants.