A model blow-dries a painted top, an exhibit for the project Chinese pattern: the authenticity of the fake at the Cervantes Institute in Beijing, Sept 25, 2019. [Photo by Yang Xiaoyu/chinadaily.com.cn]

Under a seemingly ironic title, Chinese pattern sparked skepticism and criticism when previously exhibited elsewhere in the world, according to Galaxia.

“People said to me that they didn’t want me to do this because it will offend Chinese people,” the artist said, laughing.

Chang Guanli was one attendee who bristled with indignation at first sight of the title of the exhibition and brief introduction to the project.

“The day that I came to watch the performance, I felt sort of offended, thinking how this Spanish artist could only focus on Chinese people making fakes,” said Chang, who finally came to see Galaxia’s work as a kind of recreation and that the “Chinese pattern” is actually a universal pattern.

“In the era of globalization, cultures around the world all have shared elements. That’s what I think,” added Chang.

“If people feel offended by my project, that’s because they don’t understand my message”, said the artist confidently, shrugging off the concern that his project might be misinterpreted.