Hamburger with qilin and waves
(2022)
Medium
synthetic polymer paint on brass
Measurements
(23.0 × 23.0 × 23.0 cm)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
M. G. Chapman Bequest, 2023
© Song Wei
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Song Wei’s Hamburger series juxtaposes tradition and modernisation in contemporary China. The hamburger is the visual image that Wei feels most accurately conveys his personal experiences and feelings. Using the ‘blue and white’ motifs of traditional ceramics to decorate the buns, these sculptural works reflect both the external tensions that presently exist in China, as well as Wei’s internal exploration of where he sits among these two worlds. The four works display a range of auspicious subjects: scholars’ treasures; the mythical winged qilin, whose fabled appearance coincided with the birth or death of a sage or ruler; bats and peaches, symbolising good luck and long life; and dragons symbolising the imperial mandate from heaven.