One is the spiritual belief from BC.
One is the cartoon image of the current consumption era.
Zhao Yiqian's new art creation series misappropriates and superimposes these two symbols from different times to create a new "Idol" - new idol.
"Idol" was originally an image created by man-made gods to repose mankind's difficult desires and unavoidable suffering. It is a spiritual paradise.
However, after the industrial revolution, the leap in productivity brought the prosperity of individualism. We forgot God, consumption became a new Eden, purchase brought satisfaction, and entertainment stimulated the senses.
The artist uses this new idol image "new idol" to express his attitude.
Combining modern 3D technology and classical art language, "new idol" brings multiple metaphors related to spirit and belief: smooth and lovely shape, heavy shoulder blades, toes and relaxed body forced by pain, light and rising power. Behind the seemingly playful image of "new idol", it is an affirmation of forbearance, redemption and love.
Divinity is restraint and equality, while consumption is indulgence and the gap between the rich and the poor, so do contemporary people really not need spiritual idols?
This is an open question raised by Zhao Yiqian to the audience and a criticism of the current era.