Gao Xiang, 2008, acrylic on glass, 40 x 40cm (shown against the “borrowed scenery” of the Forbidden Palace wall, Beijing)
“Gao Xiang’s glass and acrylic installations explore the interaction between the object and its environment, referencing the ancient Chinese concept of Shakkei or “borrowed scenery”.”
Shakkei or “borrowed scenery” is a classic Asian landscaping technique that incorporates or “borrows” distant views into a setting. By strategically directing the eye outside the confines of a given space, small gardens can be optically transformed to feel like spacious countryside estates.
“Drawing on this concept, Gao Xiang uses the transparency of his installations to create almost infinite experiential immersions as the work influences the “borrowed” background and the background influences the perception of the work.
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“Gao Xiang’s installations change character when displayed against coloured or textured backgrounds; change colour depending on the lighting conditions; and project a vivid, painting-like shadow when uplit.”
“Shakkei requires the borrowed scenery to be “captured alive” - such as a view onto a distant mountain or lake. Gao Xiang does this and more. His installations themselves become alive, transforming in the changing light and in each new space you place them.”
