SUI JIANGUO
SUI JIANGUO
The Legacy Mantle (Mao Jacket), 2002 by Sui Jianguo (b. 1956) is representative of the artist’s strong ties with China’s Maoist past. Praised by critics for being a “pioneer venturing to the farthest reaches of Chinese sculpture,” Sui Jianguo’s art explores his unique understanding and recognition of creation, form, diverse media, alternative methods, and space-time. Sui Jianguo relies on the wisdom of native Chinese genealogy and channels of culture to serve as problem solvers. His Mao suit represents that initiative: bigger than life, it depicts the oversized personality of the leader while the hollow interior is seen by some as a symbol for Mao’s empty promises. Critic Sue Wang states that “the artist used a satirical approach to express the conflict between escape and repression.” Sui stresses that the suit is not as much a criticism but more of a “medium” to convey the artist’s ideas and emotions about his Maoist past. Upon completion of the project Sui felt like he had reached a resolution, claiming. “I’m putting him to rest. This way I can grow up.”
[powr-photo-gallery label="SUI JIANGUO"]