Li Wei’s visions defy the laws of gravity

via CAAI

Friday, 03 December 2010 15:01 Sarah Macklin

MONGOLIAN-BORN Li Wei chucked art school and threw himself head first – literally – into a new career as a photographer, snapping impossible scenes without using PhotoShop.

He began taking photos of himself diving and jumping, then branched out into intricate visions achieved using a combination of wires, mirrors, and acrobatics.

Now living and working in Beijing, the 40-year-old artist remains focused on China as a subject, despite winning acclaim for his startling pictures in exhibitions around the world.

Using models and an intricate combination of harnesses, ropes, cranes and scaffolding, he creates oddly joyful and disturbing pictures, using sky as a backdrop. Li Wei says he plans to keep his focus on China, “because my country is vast in terriroty and is now undergoing dramatic changes”. His exhibition at Chinese House at #45 Sisowath Quay runs until December 12.