Cai Guo-Qiang

Cai Guo-Qiang (b. 1960) is one of the most important Chinese artists to have emerged internationally in the 1990s. Cai is best known for his spectacular gunpowder projects, but he has explored a diversity of media and art forms, including works such as an extension of the Great Wall of China made from fire, designed to be seen from outer space by extraterrestrial beings; feng shui rearrangements of private and public spaces; participatory projects with kits, Jacuzzis, and mini golf courses; and sculptures constructed from melted-down cars or abandoned boats. Cai's projects are strongly influenced by their location and the works are frequently altered or developed as they are exhibited at new sites.

Cai Guo-Qiang is part of Phaidon's Contemporary Artists series, a collection of the most comprehensive sourcebooks available on important contemporary artists. Each title features over 120 color illustrations documenting the artist's entire career to date. The monographs provide multiple perspectives on each artist's work through three newly commissioned texts: a survey text, which gives an overview of the artist's career; an interview with the artist; and a focus piece concentrating on a single work of art. Each book also includes an Artist's Choice text: a written piece from literature, philosophy, or science that has greatly influenced the artist. A selection of the artist's writings as well as a fully illustrated chronology complete the book.