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Cai Guo-Qiang — Study for Sleepwalking in the Forbidden City No. 9
Cai Guo-Qiang — Study for Sleepwalking in the Forbidden City No. 9
Cai Guo-Qiang

Study for Sleepwalking in the Forbidden City No. 9

2020

This work exemplifies Cai Guo Qiang's signature gunpowder technique, wherein controlled detonation disperses pigment across canvas to create explosive compositions marked by dynamic scorch patterns and chromatic halos. Two opposing color zones dominate the composition: a magenta and deep crimson burst on the left contrasts dramatically with a teal and blue cloud formation on the right, separated by a luminous white void. The pigment dispersal creates radiating patterns that suggest both violent combustion and delicate diffusion, with darker concentrations at the core giving way to gossamer trails and particulate scatter. Executed in 2020, this study returns to vibrant color after decades of predominantly black gunpowder works, demonstrating Cai's continued exploration of the paradoxical relationship between destruction and creation inherent to the medium.

Medium
Gunpowder on canvas
Overall

Notes

White Cube solo presentation of Cai Guo-Qiang at TEFAF New York 2026, Stand 355, Park Avenue Armory, May 14–19, 2026. Framed: 42.6 x 53 x 7 cm.

For Sale — $80000

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About this work

Cai Guo-Qiang, Study for Sleepwalking in the Forbidden City No. 9, 2020

This work exemplifies Cai Guo Qiang's signature gunpowder technique, wherein controlled detonation disperses pigment across canvas to create explosive compositions marked by dynamic scorch patterns and chromatic halos. Two opposing color zones dominate the composition: a magenta and deep crimson burst on the left contrasts dramatically with a teal and blue cloud formation on the right, separated by a luminous white void. The pigment dispersal creates radiating patterns that suggest both violent combustion and delicate diffusion, with darker concentrations at the core giving way to gossamer trails and particulate scatter. Executed in 2020, this study returns to vibrant color after decades of predominantly black gunpowder works, demonstrating Cai's continued exploration of the paradoxical relationship between destruction and creation inherent to the medium.

Medium
Gunpowder on canvas
Dimensions
overall: 40.6 x 51.1 cm
Year
2020
Seen at
White Cube, London, United Kingdom

Related themes

Scorch Marks, Living Artist, Avant Garde, Studio Practice, Pigment Dispersal, Magenta And Teal, Contrasting Colors, Canvas Work, Gestural Mark Making, Gunpowder Painting, Mixed Media, Blue Chip Gallery, Chinese Artist, Color Field, Chromatic Study, Contemporary Painting, Contemporary Art, Explosive Medium, Performance Based, Abstract Composition

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