Chinese Acrobatics in Manhattan - Stage
Li Yousong
李尤松
Production date
2015
Object Detail
Media
chalk on paper
Measurements
67 x 110 cm
Notes
Chinese Acrobatics in Manhattan 2014 series depicts a legendary story of Aihua, the leading performer of the Chinese Acrobatics troupe, who escapes from a kidnapping and overcomes many difficulties to return to the troupe. The fictional story happened in 1972 in Manhattan, which was also when Li Yousong’s father travelled to the United States as the band conductor of the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe. Through Aihua’s journey, the artist represents scenes in Manhattan and New York he imagined and remembered while his father described for him. He credits his childhood memory of Chinese Acrobatics as having a great influence on the theme of his paintings. In Chinese Acrobatics in Manhattan - Stage 2015, a young boy wearing uniform and a red scarf is pointing at three acrobats performing highly difficult movements in front of him. Using coloured chalks applied with a subtle palette, the artist restores nostalgic narratives in a romantic manner.
Accession number
2019.033