Artist portrays a changing vista

At an exhibition, a mother and her child stand side by side, each captivated by different aspects of the display. The mother recognizes elements from her own youth, while her daughter is entranced by the interactive, dreamlike environment — a blend of maze, theater and amusement park — presented through virtual reality and multimedia.

This scene has vividly played out in artist Cao Fei's mind, illustrating how her work resonates across generations. She imagines older visitors appreciating the historical context and social commentary, while younger ones are drawn to the immersive, surreal aspects.

Cao's solo show, Chaoxi Zhouhe (Tidal Flux), is now running at the Museum of Art Pudong in Shanghai till Nov 17.