Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang harnesses fireworks to explore transformation at his New Jersey studio

Working with gunpowder as his primary medium, Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang creates art that exists at the intersection of destruction and creation. Born in Quanzhou, the world-renowned, US-based artist has spent decades developing his signature technique of controlled explosions that transform canvas, paper, and space into works of profound beauty and philosophical depth. “People often think I like fireworks,” he says. “But what I really like is the energy and the impact that comes from explosions.” Cai’s artistic journey began in his hometown, where traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism shaped his understanding of transformation and energy. Now, working from his expansive Frank Gehry-designed studio in Chester, New Jersey, Cai continues to push the boundaries of his controversial medium, creating large-scale works that bridge Eastern philosophy and contemporary art practice... read more at nowness.com _______________________________________ Subscribe to NOWNESS here: http://bit.ly/youtube-nowness Like NOWNESS on Facebook: http://bit.ly/facebook-nowness Follow NOWNESS on Twitter: http://bit.ly/twitter-nowness Daily exclusives for the culturally curious: http://bit.ly/nowness-com Behind the scenes on Instagram: http://bit.ly/instagram-nowness Staff Picks on Vimeo: http://bit.ly/vimeo-nowness