Flags

So, imagine you are having an art show three miles in the middle of a trackless desert. How would you get people there? (Of course, I'm glossing over the question about why, the issue of why in the dead of winter, and the sandy yurt. I'll just continue.) How do you guide them? The obvious answer is -- at least to the Chinese mind -- flags!

And who better to stick all those flags in the sand than the Chinese army! [Correction: I later learned that these guys are not the Chinese Army, but rather are the camel jockeys and guides who work for the resort. They were dressed in old army suplus coats and hats, so it was an easy mistake to make. Actually, the more I think of it the funnier it gets that our artwork was framed by Chinese camel riders. Either way, it's a hoot!]

Below is my self-portrait for the trip. I could do something that actually showed me, but it would be unrealistic because all you'd see would be a pair of eyes peering out from a giant pile of goose-down clothing. At least this shadow vaguely looks like a human being rather than a big deformed goose.

I have no doubt that this must be a very fun tourist destination in the summer when it's warm. There are signs of tourist activities sprinkled throughout the desert. These umbrellas obviously provide a respite from the sun, but the camel-shaped waist bin buried in the sand tells the tale of the wind that is also a part of this desert.

The sand sculptures are part of the annual summer festivals. Again, they are scattered all over the desert and touring them via camel ride must be quite an experience.

We arrived at the Art Palace for the final stage of the installation of our work ̶ sequencing.

Joe and David were still working on their final sequencing after mine was completed and hung.

Part of this picture requires explanation. Okay, a lot of this picture requires explanation, but I want to draw your attention to the very thin, wooden board affixed to the top of the posts. They explained to us that when they heat the yurt during the opening night event, the heated air coming in contact with the skin of the yurt will cause a condensation that will drip from the ceiling. The boards are there to act as umbrellas and protect the artwork from the indoor rain shower. To which we said, "You can heat this yurt? TURN THAT SUCKER ON!" Well, we wanted to. Anyway, protecting artwork from indoor rain is a condition one generally doesn't face in an upscale New York gallery. I did notice there were no provisions to similarly protect the expected mass of art patrons from the drip. I think I'll wear a hat.

Comments

[Tracymo]

Reading this blog and looking at these pictures is the best entertainment I've had in months!!

T-mo

[Kristy]

I think the presentation of your work looks wonderful in the yurt. The tied-together posts, dirt floor, natural lighting, and openness is very authentic, original, and somehow aesthetically pleasing. Though I can't see your actual photographs from this blog post, what I can tell is the fan shape just seems right- quite Asian in an Asian environment. How does the wooden "umbrella" effect how the photographs look? I wonder if it casts a shadow on the prints?

Does the skin of the yurt bellow or get physically distorted in the wind?

Thank you for posting so often along your Mongolian adventure! I am enjoying it very much. Wishing you more consistent warmness and toastyness!

[Mo :-)]

This is such an other-wordly setting for ANYthing -- but especially an art exhibit! Will you find out what else they've featured in this humongous yurt? Indoor camel races maybe...?