*Not dragons, but pixiu (貔貅) — mythical winged lions from traditional Chinese culture that typically guard temple entrances. Here, they face a blank wall, a gesture evoking punishment, shame, and muted authority.
Site-specific installation of Dragons* at SHISANWU Warehouse, Queens, New York.
Way and Nguyen engage with different markets— New York chinatowns, Buddhist temples, eBay— collecting statues of Chinese mythological creatures, specifically *not dragons. In varying installations, the artists impose a small gesture onto each pair, stripping them of inherited roles of pride and power, and instead allow them to adopt stances of play, shame, or surveillance.
__
01 Dragons* (far and wide)
Porcelain
from E Broadway and 41st Rd,
Queens, NY.
02 Dragons* (North and South)
Glass, 7 1/2 x 6 x 7 inches
from Hester St, New York, NY.
03 Dragons* (lost puppies)
Jade, 6 x 8 1/2 x 6 inches
from Grand St, New York, NY.
04 Dragons* (twin tigers)
Porcelain, 6 x 7 x 7 inches
from eBay, Ozark, AR.
05 Dragons* (a perfect pair)
Porcelain, 10 x 12 x 10 inches.
from Mott St, New York, NY.