Take care, Christmas. Until next year.

Christmas is over for the year. Wrapped presents have transformed into shreds of paper, and we're already finalizing New Year's Eve plans. But do you need some more holiday closure? Then watch this pine tree explode, and you should be all set.

Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang regularly does explosive events like this. However you want to interpret their meaning, they're quite a spectacle. Here he set up three separate explosions on the National Mall, blowing up 2,000 black smoke drops attached to the 40-foot tree.

See you in 364 days, Christmas.

[Smithsonian]

10 Comments

Why? What? Huh? No! No! No! Pltzzzzzzz!

I don't know what I like, but I know art... and this isn't art. Neither is it exploding.

Seriously, making a Christmas tree blow off puffs of smoke is something that COULD be artistic if done in an artful way OR if there was an obvious meaning to it. This was REALLY pathetic and meaningless. Sure, he could SAY it had meaning, but if you have to explain the meaning, you've failed to convey it with the art... and you failed to create art.

pretentious ppardee

Thank you for your expert assertion on what is and what is not art. I have always had difficulty distinguishing genuine art from these imposters. As an art guru, it is not even remotely possible the meaning of this display simply escapes you. If it fails to speak to ppardee, the art legend, then it simply isn't art. I pity the poor souls that actually appreciated this display. What pathetic and meaningless lives they must lead.

What this article failed to tell, was Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang does not believe in Santa and did not get any presents, so has a bad grudge against the holidays!

So.......lol,
You better be nice, because Santa knows and is watching. ;)

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sdgweew

The "explosion" is something of a disappointment. After the smoke clears away, the tree is still there! We want to see the tree get blown to bits! However that is not something they are likely to allow on the national mall.

I'm all for blowing up stuff, but I have to agree with ppardee. This was absolutely pointless. You can call this art if you want, but don't call me to watch it. What a waist of time!

As an artist I'm kinda lost and confused by what I just saw.

Could it mean that Christmas represents an enduring truth which can't be destroyed?

that was terribley awsome


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