The large-scale drawings - nearly 42 meters long and 4 meters high - are made by burning gunpowder on paper, a technique the artist has experimented with for nearly two decades while in China, Japan and now in the United States where he has lived since 1995. The effect resembles calligraphy while at other times it suggests abstract gestures.

Gunpowder, which originated in ancient China, has always fascinated Cai as an artistic medium. In his words, 'Explosions make you feel something intense at the very core of your being because, while you can arrange explosives as you please, you cannot control the explosion itself. And this fills you with a great feeling of freedom.'

The different visual effects achieved within this sequence of drawings are remarkable, ranging from charred, dense gestures to wispy delicate lines. Divided into three sections, they are designed to correspond to the sequence of 'explosions' devised by Cai at Central Park. These are; Signal Towers (pillars of light), The Light Cycle (a series of halos) and White Night (small shell explosions of brilliant white light). Ancient Branding and Seasons are included in Asia Society's exhibition. This exhibition focuses on the artist's conceptual process and provides an insider's perspective on this important artist's work.

Melissa Chiu, Asia Society's Curator for Contemporary Art will conduct a public discussion with the artist about his work on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Asia Society. The event is cosponsored by Creative Time. For more information.