RESCUE US FROM GRINNING

Once the New York Times said, Yue Minjun’s works perhaps the most recognizable image in contemporary Chinese painting. Yes I agree. Recognizing his works, we can say, as easy as wondering who paints Monalisa.  Whenever we see a jaw-breaking grin signature, never open eyes’ figure, pinky skin tone, definitely it is Yue Minjun. And this was what happened to me last week when I recognize his work. It's around lunchtime, I stepped into the Only One Club, a dance room facility in one brand new glossy amusement centre in Jakarta. It’s quiet, no activity (the operation starts in the afternoon), me and my friend needed to check this room for the event we plan to run sometime next month. 

Grinning from the sky

Can we dance with our chin up to the sky?

There, when I entered the venue, my eyes stuck at the ceiling, what was that? Was it a new painting presentation formula for people? I stepped closer, yes there were seven men, grinning, Yue Minjun’s. I imagined the reason why they smile widely up there, grinning for help?, or grinning from the sky feeling pitty for us down here? In the evening, this place packed with rather senior ladies with their gang and bodies, dancing step by step, salsa to waltz. And I imagine those faces were getting wider and wider, grinning.

What was in the owner’s mind in the first place?

1. Is it a new intelligent formula enjoying painting?

2. Do the owners hope every guest will dance with their chin up high to the sky observing '...what is that? are they grinning on my messy dancing steps?

3. Do the owners appreciate art?

4. Do the owners realize that guest won't be able to check whether it's a fake or real Yue Minjun's?

5. Do the owners want us to grin?

6. can we grin?

7. What if we grin while dancing?