The architectural structure in the image was originally located on a piece of wasteland on the outskirts of Beijing. Due to a lack of consensus between land ownership and government policy, it became a building that was neither fully constructed nor completely demolished. This abandoned, residual structure exudes a certain aura of a temporary public sculpture. Over time, the building has lost its original meaning, transforming into a kind of monumental sculpture, as well as a playground for children and a temporary shelter for the homeless.

Spiral Party (2018) by Chen Wei (b. 1980, China) depicts a structure that appears to be a staircase of an unfinished building. As an artist living in China, Chen continues to observe the rapidly-changing landscapes in the country, and his art-making is influenced by his findings. Chen’s works reveal the people’s hope for a better life, in contrast with the reality that they face. Chen, however, manages to find and portray the beauty in such neglected places. The bubbles scattered around the structure and the peculiar hue of light that illuminates the structure add a fictional touch to the scene.

[Chen Wei] Born in Zhejiang, China in 1980, Chen Wei is currently based in Beijing, China. He has held solo exhibitions at HOW Art Museum, Shanghai (2021), Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo (2020, 2017, 2015), Singapore (2019, 2018, 2015) chi K11 art space, Guangzhou (2018), Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne (2017), chi K11 art museum, Shanghai (2015). His works were included in group exhibitions including “Phantom Plane, Cyberpunk in the Year of the Future” Tai Kwun Contemporary, Hong Kong (2019), “Night Fever. Designing Club Culture 1960 - today” Vitra Design Museum, Germany (2018). His works have been acquired by the Singapore Art Museum (Singapore), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Japan), Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (China), K11 Art Foundation (Hong Kong), M+ Sigg Collection (Hong Kong), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (USA).