As the curtain dropped, we entered the gallery and spent nearly 8 hours dissecting all the diverse feelings that Cao Fei’s Tidal Flux exhibition encompasses across its three themed areas titled “Time,” “Body,” and “Technology.” The experience as a whole is stunning. These moments are worth revisiting, perhaps at different times of the day, especially considering that a film is being presented in the Hongxia area of the show, following its own schedule.

This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Cao Fei’s nearly 30-year artistic journey. Utilizing the entire second-floor space of the museum, the artist crafts a “non-linear” arrangement that brings the work to life through a diverse perspective. Highlights include her early works during the “Pearl River Delta” period, the exploration of digital and virtual realms in the "metaverse" originating from the RMB City (RMB – To be ReMember), and her research project HX. Furthermore, the exhibition features seven pieces making their global debut, and thirteen works/series being shown in China for the first time.

Cao Fei: Tidal Flux is produced by Shanghai Lujiazui Development (Group) Company Limited and organized by Museum of Art Pudong. The exhibition is jointly curated by a trio of renowned curators from China and abroad—Nancy Spector from the United States, Xue Tan from Hong Kong, China, and Yang Beichen from Beijing, China. The exhibition design is developed by BEAU Architects. Aoao Ying assisted us on the design of this exhibition.

Cao Fei – Tidal Flux at Pudong Art Museum