Collection Online
Medium
synthetic polymer paint on brass
Measurements
(23.0 × 23.0 × 23.0 cm)
Place/s of Execution
China
Accession Number
2023.236
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
M. G. Chapman Bequest, 2023
© Song Wei
Gallery location
Asian Art - Chinese Gallery
Level 1, NGV International
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.