Sang Huoyao's Robot Walks Through 'Brushstrokes of the Universe' at MAP Shanghai
At the Museum of Art Pudong in Shanghai, artist Sang Huoyao debuted his solo show called 'Brushstrokes of the Universe.' A standout moment involved a humanoid robot from Unitree in Hangzhou, which Sang guided through the galleries in a segment titled 'How to Explain Painting to a Living Robot' (2026). This title is a playful reference to Joseph Beuys' 1965 work, 'How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare.' Curated by Beijing's Jonas Stampe, the exhibition features 52 artworks made since 2020, including silk paintings and aluminum installations. The centerpiece is a striking 46-foot silk piece titled 'Birth under the Sky' (2025–26). The show runs until June 15, 2026.
Key facts
- Sang Huoyao's solo show 'Brushstrokes of the Universe' opened at Museum of Art Pudong (MAP), Shanghai.
- The opening performance featured a humanoid robot from Unitree, Hangzhou.
- The performance is titled 'How to Explain Painting to a Living Robot' (2026), referencing Joseph Beuys' 1965 action.
- The exhibition is curated by Beijing-based Jonas Stampe.
- It includes 52 works from 2020 to present, including silk paintings, aluminum panel installations, and new media.
- The centerpiece is the 46-foot-long silk painting 'Birth under the Sky' (2025–26).
- Stampe's essay references French philosopher Paul Valéry's concept of poïesis.
- The robot stated during the opening: 'I know that the other may never truly feel, yet I still choose to explain. That very tension is the pulse of the work.'
Entities
Artists
- Sang Huoyao
- Joseph Beuys
- Jonas Stampe
- Paul Valéry
Institutions
- Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)
- Xi Art Space
- Unitree
Locations
- Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Beijing