ZhouTiehai (1966), "Jeff Koon's/Ilona on Top", 2006 acrylic andareography on canvas, signed and dated on the reverse,170x240 cm

Provenance:Art&Public, Geneva, 2006, inventory no. 08512

Thecamel with dark glasses is a key figure in the work of Zhou Tiehai (1966,Shanghai). Having become his partner and hallmark, the cartoon-like characterwas inspired by "Joe Camel", the R J. Reynolds Tobacco Company mascot.Appearing in 1988 in advertising campaigns for American Camel cigarettes,"Joe Camel" was a popular and controversial image, a symbol of trendyyouth, but condemned for popularising smoking among minors. He disappeared in1997. With humour and skill, Zhou Tieha reproduces two iconic works here; JeffKoons' Ilona on Top (Rosa background) and Andy Warhol's Double Elvis in whichhe integrates his camel – a role he seems to play without the slightestdifficulty! By taking key artworks and giving them a fresh twist, Zhou Tiehaidefies the mechanisms of the art market. In a playful and provocative way, hequestions and criticizes the consumption of works and value systems.

ZhouTiehai lives and works in Shanghai. His work has been shown in numerousexhibitions around the world, including the Centre Pompidou (Paris), PS1Contemporary Art Center (New York), Whitney Museum (New York), Solomon R.Guggenheim Museum (New York), Hamburger Kunsthalle (Hamburg), Kunstmuseum Bern,MAXXI (Rome), 48th Venice Biennale, 4th Gwangju Biennale. In 1998, Zhou Tiehaireceived the Chinese Contemporary Art Award (CCAA Association) in theconceptual art section. He is the first winner of this award founded by UliSigg. The renowned curator Harald Szeemann was a member of the jury andpresented him with the award.