Cai Guo-Qiang

It was a birthday present from my grandmother, who turned 100 that year.

She passed away one month later.

In 1995, I moved from Japan to New York with my wife and daughter.

After I came to New York, my work became more site-specific, addressing more socio-political themes and reflecting the changes I've developed from living in the West.

This transition also allowed me to better thrive in different cultures around the world.

Some have asked why I never deal with the subject of sex

I would often say, isn't explosion sexy in itself?

Ten years ago, I was invited to create an artwork in Paris.

I decided to invite 50 couples from around the world to a sightseeing boat on the Seine, where they would first enjoy a 12-minute firework display that simulates the process of lovemaking.

Why 12 minutes?

Because that seems to be the average duration of French lovemaking According to the internet

Excited by the passionate climax of the fireworks, the couples then entered individual tents to do whatever they wanted.

When satisfied, they could press a button and trigger fireworks from a small boat nearby.

I had prepared 300 shots of fireworks.

However, the couples didn't use them all.

In the end, the fireworks spelled out words, Sorry, gotta go.

Nighttime fireworks are visible because of light and are more focused on the explosions themselves.

Daytime fireworks rely on smoke.

They are like a painter's brush moving across the sunlit sky in real time.

In Shanghai, I realized the daytime fireworks allergy, lamenting the severe environmental problems China faces.