798 Art District (7): Skeltons and Robots, Obscure Beijing Art

It is the oddities of the art in this area that I find more interesting than the traditional types of art you might expect to see in China.  Where else can you find tiny robots made of computer parts or jewelry made from the skeletons of birds and reptiles?

In contrast to the sculptures and the works created on a more massive scale, these tiny objects become more personal because you must get so close to appreciate them.

Here is the series called "Gimino" found at the 798 Art Center.  These included tiny robots, animals and related objects made out of computer parts, circuit boards, USB ports, etc.

This is the shop called "Skeleton".  Notice their sign is fashioned from actual skeleton parts! The artist collects the skeletons of tiny birds and reptiles and casts them in precious metals to create lovely, creepy jewelry and sculpture.  One of her pieces was a silver ring with a bird skull in it that had a working, movable jaw.  Another was a solid gold bird skeleton set with jewels and tiny feathers.  Like many artists she would not allow photos in her shop because (and rightly so) she is concerned about copycats, but I will update with a link to her website. 

Lastly, here are some photos of an exhibition being installed at a gallery called "Iberia". They appear to be bits of translucent shell-like material, each hung from a slim stick of wood inserted in the wall.  It has a lovely scale-like effect that moves and shimmers.  I will update with more gallery and artist info when I can track it down.