Cai Guo-Qiang's Fireworks Over Florence for Uffizi Exhibition
On November 18, 2018, Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang staged a 10-minute fireworks display titled 'Flowers in the Sky' over Florence, Italy, in collaboration with the city. The pyrotechnic spectacle, inspired by Botticelli's 'Primavera,' served as a prelude to his exhibition at the Uffizi Galleries, which opened on November 20, 2018. The display consisted of a prelude and six acts, visible to citizens and tourists. Cai also created a 24-meter gunpowder scroll to document the ephemeral event, which will be exhibited at the Uffizi as part of the upcoming 'Flora Commedia' show. The artist described the explosion as a moment where past and present meet, connecting with the universe's eternal energy. The event underscores Florence's recent embrace of contemporary art.
Key facts
- Cai Guo-Qiang created a fireworks display titled 'Flowers in the Sky' in Florence.
- The display took place on November 18, 2018, and lasted about 10 minutes.
- It was inspired by Botticelli's 'Primavera' and consisted of a prelude and six acts.
- The fireworks celebrated Cai's exhibition at the Uffizi Galleries, opening November 20, 2018.
- Cai produced a 24-meter gunpowder scroll to document the event.
- The scroll will be shown at the Uffizi as part of 'Flora Commedia.'
- The event was a collaboration with the Comune di Firenze.
- Photos and video were captured by Valentina Grandini.
Entities
Artists
- Cai Guo-Qiang
- Sandro Botticelli
Institutions
- Uffizi Galleries
- Comune di Firenze
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Quanzhou