Middle East, Middle Kingdom

Alongside other Chinese artists, island6 will be presented for the first time in the Middle East with the exhibition “Middle East, Middle Kingdom”. Centered on contemporary Chinese art never before seen in Dubai, Liu Dao will feature its own New Media art installations. New age technology will display the unique complexities between the traditional and modern aspects that make contemporary China.

“Good Rain is Coming Tonight” features a paper cut of a tree branch, lit on fire with glimmering LED lights and serving as a reminder of age-old agricultural methods, shared by the Ancient Chinese and Arabs alike. Furthermore, it hints at the shared collective of knowledge both cultures have had since the opening of the Silk Route. Liu Dao’s “Zhongshan Suit” will easily be recognized by many as the paper cut of the frequently- worn apparel of the founders of the People’s Republic of China. Although it has been represented many times by a variety of artists, island6’s method of placing this ubiquitous item is unique, displaying animated military characters in each of the pockets, marching to and fro. A third piece exposed at the Etemad Gallery in Dubai is “This Year Brings Fish”, a multimedia piece combining teakwood and Chinese textile with the LED panels of 21st century factories emit softly moving fish through an underwater field of peonies as if they are camouflaged symbols of fortune moving in the background of our lives and waiting to present themselves. “Run Rabbit Run” presents a playful side of contemporary Chinese art with rabbits swimming among shan shui-style waves.

This distinctive exhibition in Dubai will showcase Chinese talent but also remind of how much China and the U.A.E are alike, as both leading economies and important ports in world trade.