"A Moving Mountain" Series, 2012

Echoing the grandeur of the ragged horizon formed by distant mountain ranges, footprints of stock market movements depicted on charts outline the essence of the modern financial market and global economy. These erratic motions have been captured by the artist's spontaneous splashes of ink. Throughout history civilizations have once hallowed mountains as the home of the gods, and so contemporary society is exalting Wall Street as the temple of the world economy. Gan Yu presents a chronologically ordered chart painted by oriental brushes and ink on western canvas detailing Dow Jones' moving history in the first decade of 21st century from 2000 to 2009. The painting is incomplete when displayed, finished only after the available space has been filled out with comments from observers expressing their views.

A Moving Mountain: Dow Jones’ first decade in the 21st century, 2012

A Moving Mountain: Dow Jones’ first decade in the 21st century, 2012
Ink, color and Mixed-media on Canvas”, 30” x 240”

Solo Exhibition: “A Moving Mountain”, Sept 5-26, 2012, Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Echoing the grandeur of the ragged horizon formed by distant mountain ranges, footprints of stock market movements depicted on charts outline the essence of the modern financial market and global economy. These erratic motions have been captured by the artist's spontaneous splashes of ink. Throughout history civilizations have once hallowed mountains as the home of the gods, and so contemporary society is exalting Wall Street as the temple of the world economy. Gan Yu presents a chronologically ordered chart painted by oriental brushes and ink on western canvas detailing Dow Jones' moving history in the first decade of 21st century from 2000 to 2009. The painting is incomplete when displayed, finished only after the available space has been filled out with comments from observers expressing their views.

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition Opening Reception at Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition: “A Moving Mountain”, Sept 5-26, 2012, Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition Opening Reception at Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin

A Moving Mountain: Dow Jones’ first Decade of the 21st Century, 30” x 240” (2000–2009)”, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition: “A Moving Mountain”, Sept 5-26, 2012, Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The painting is incomplete when displayed, finished only after the available space has been filled out with comments from observers expressing their views.

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition Opening Reception at Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition: “A Moving Mountain”, Sept 5-26, 2012, Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The painting is incomplete when displayed, finished only after the available space has been filled out with comments from observers expressing their views.

Gan Yu's Solo Exhibition Opening Reception at Allen Priebe Gallery, University of Wisconsin

One of the symbols for the stock market is mass participation. In order to capture this quality, Gan Yu invites the audiences to write their comments directly on his canvas. The artist’s idea is to bring common wisdom from many others, and let their thoughts and autographs collaborate with the painting. Currently, already more than 150 people have written their personal comments along with signatures in 12 preferred languages directly on canvas. The painting is incomplete when displayed, finished only after the available space has been filled out with comments from observers expressing their views. The artist synthesizes himself, the observers and the artwork, allowing those who may be direct or indirect participants in the stock market to surrender themselves to chance, becoming a subject in the overall theme. Not only does this action manifest itself in art, but also reflects the underlying complexities of globalization.