Zhang Hongtu

Zhang Hongtu’s questioning of boundaries between east and west, high art versus popular culture, and the constitution of reality continue with a series of objects included in this exhibition.  Bronze fangding were created in the Han Dynasty and could only be commissioned by royalty.  These ritual vessels were used during religious ceremonies to offer food to the gods.  Zhang pokes fun at the sacred and unique nature of the fangding by creating Bronze Tableware consisting of a cast bronze MacDonald’s hamburger box, a french fry container, knife, and fork.  And of course, the ritual seal depicts the golden arches.  Glazed Earthenware Zodiac Figures (Tang Dynasty, 618-907) all sport identical Mao suits.  And our suspicions about the familiar shape of a six-pack of Blue and White Bottles (Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644) are confirmed when we see the accompanying “Coca-Cola” seal.