A bit of artistic insight | This is not art, this is a declaration of war against nature

When a fireworks display at an altitude of 5,500 meters broke the silence of the Himalayas under the guise of art, it failed to create an artistic epic but instead triggered widespread outrage across the internet. What we witnessed was not a tribute, but a meticulously packaged commercial desecration! The essence of art lies in empathy and reverence, not in the destruction under the name of grandeur. The “Archaeopteryx” and Cai Guoqiang’s “Ascending Dragon” deliberately overlooked the bottom line that art should adhere to.

Chen Danqing once described him as “a tenacious, genuine, and enthusiastic farmer from Fujian”. This was the most straightforward form of praise. When he created “The Ladder”, his unwavering dedication and imagination without any ulterior motives truly deserved this compliment. It was the shining light of simple authenticity in art. However, this time’s actions in the Himalayas completely exposed his shortsightedness and materialism. He rashly implemented similar art projects that had been rejected due to ecological risks in Japan and France in the sacred mountain of China, treating the mountain as a “testing ground”. Finally, with the casual statement “Thank the animals for making the route clear”, how many lives were lost? It was a disregard for life and a neglect of ecology. Clearly, he had lost the essence and color of a farmer! Without reverence for the sacred nature, it highlighted his ignorance. What he called art was merely a theatrical act to boost his reputation using gunpowder.

At that time, all I could feel was the tranquility of the green mountains and white clouds. The beautiful green mountains and the continuous white clouds merged into my empty mind. The sacredness and fragility of that land were only understood by those who had set foot there. It was a sense of humility towards life and nature.

However, Cai Guoqiang and the “Archaeopteryx” brand deliberately sought to break this tranquility under the guise of “art”. The “Archaeopteryx” brand, as the brand owner, betrayed the core users who truly practiced “unmarked wilderness” and regarded it as their faith! When an outdoor brand that claims to be professional led the way in trampling on the ecological red line, the so-called “environmentally friendly craftsmanship” instantly became a fig leaf to justify the increase in prices. What was shattered was the most precious value recognition in consumers’ hearts, and the brand’s soul was also torn apart by their hands.

The Himalayas do not need such “artistic tributes”, nor do they need apologies after having their trust depleted! If reverence is merely a marketing ploy, no matter how magnificent the brand or artistic narrative, it will eventually collapse under the judgment of nature and the scorn of the public.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.