Art Basel’s ‘Meet the artists’ series presents the contemporary creatives shaping today’s cultural landscape

Working with gunpowder as his primary medium, Cai Guo-Qiang creates art that exists at the intersection of destruction and creation. Born in Quanzhou, China, the New York-based artist has spent decades developing his signature technique of controlled explosions that transform canvas, paper, and space into works of profound beauty and philosophical depth. ‘People often think I like fireworks. But what I really like is the energy and the impact that comes from explosions,’ he says.

His artistic journey began in his hometown, where traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy shaped his understanding of transformation and energy. Now working from his expansive studio, Cai continues to push the boundaries of his medium, creating works that bridge Eastern philosophy and contemporary art practice.

The studio visit reveals the methodical aspect of his work. Each explosion is choreographed, yet surrenders to chance, embodying the artist’s belief in controlled chaos. As he explains in the film, ‘Once the work is done, I always feel grateful, because I have received love and support from it.’

The Last Carnival
Centre Pompidou
October 22, 2025

‘Gunpowder and Abstraction 2015–2025’
Until November 9, 2025
White Cube Bermondsey, London