Ink not Ink

Through May 9, free, Drexel University (various locations), 215-895-2548, drexel.edu/inknotink

by Lauren F. Friedman

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Published: Apr 1, 2009

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visual art

This survey-scale exhibition of Chinese contemporary art, whose only U.S. stop will be at Drexel, includes more than 80 sculptures, prints, paintings and videos by 40 artists, but it is perhaps most notable for its centerpiece: Wenda Gu's United Nations: Man & Space Year 2000, a 100-foot patchwork of all the world's flags, woven from human hair. "Hair is a symbol of identity," says Gu, who sees the mammoth work as a utopian wish for international unity and peaceful coexistence. The translucent, towering wall of hair makes for an odd sight in the lobby of Drexel's Bossone Research Enterprise Center, where it blocks out windows and covers walls. "You need a certain scale to match the concept," says Gu, estimating that 400,000 haircuts from all over the world contributed to the finished product.

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