In Chinese state art of the 60s, a common theme was space exploration, with kids in rocketships and spacesuits waving hello Chinese mythological beings said to live in space, like the Moon Goddess Chang’e and the Rabbit on the Moon. The purpose of the posters was to show scientific advancement and progress, but also continuity with traditional culture and civilization as well, hence the presence of mythological beings.
When China eventually did land a lunar exploratory rover, it was known as the Yu Tu, or Jade Rabbit, after the legendary moon rabbit. So these posters came true, in a sense.
love this piece by Javier Pérez titled ‘Carroña’. Ten stuffed crows carefully placed on a shattered red chandelier to look as if they were feasting on a dead animal.
