Yue Minjun's works are instantly recognizable by the characteristic laughing figure, actually representing the artist himself, depicted in various guises in virtually all his works. The figure has more teeth than one could possibly want, like the expensive smiles of fashion models advertising the latest whitening power of a toothpaste brand. Yue Minjun's trademark smile is many things at once. It is hilarious and infectious yet cynical and mocking. It appears superficial, mindless - even ridiculous - but is deeply revealing and compelling. Yue Minjun’s first museum show in the U.S. opened at the Queens Museum of Art on October 14th, 2007. Yue Minjun and the Symbolic Smile includes bronze and polychrome sculptures, paintings and drawings and will be on view through January 6, 2008 |
