Cai Guo-Qiang’s work, including the monumental “Sky Ladder,” transforms the space with seemingly minimalist strokes. However, much of the work comes out of meticulous planning and labored execution. Recent portraits also continue the artist’s use of surprising materials, such as the gunpowder portraits below.
The artist recently reflected on “Sky Ladder,” which was documented in a film currently on Netflix: ““Behind Sky Ladder lies a clear childhood dream of mine. Despite all life’s twists and turns, I have always been determined to realize it… Sky Ladder today is tender, and touches my heart deeply: it carries affection for my hometown, my relatives and my friends…the ladder rose toward the morning sun, carrying hope. For me, this not only means a return but also the start of a new journey.”
See more of the artist’s work on his site.
Whether rendered life-sized in resin and paint or smaller and 3D-printed, 
