Yun-Fei Ji: Water Work brings together ten years’ worth of narrative paintings that explore the human displacement caused by water-related disasters. Born in China in 1963 and educated there, Ji developed his art in New York City, where he has lived since 1990. Equal parts historian, investigative journalist and social critic, Ji uses traditional Chinese ink and rice paper scrolls to create paintings that focus on ordinary people in extreme situations. After regular trips to China and extensive first-hand research, Ji created a series of paintings recounting the events surrounding the construction of the Three Gorges Dam which spans the Yangtze River; more recently, he focused attention on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. His scroll paintings recount stories of loss and grief, responsibility and sacrifice, exploring the myths that arise from shared--and often tragic--experience.
Published by: UCCA Books, Hong Kong and Beijing
With texts by: Zhu Zhu and Jonathan Spence
Edited by: Paula Tsai
Translated by: Jim Weldon and Dai Weiping
Hardcover; 179 pages with color illustrations
ISBN 978-98816223-4-1
Not available for purchase via the gallery. For more information about the accompanying exhibition, please visit the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art.
