Site 2: Jinggangshan, Jiangxi Province

After successfully completing new works by Wang Jin and Li Fang, the next mission was to of install the Touring Sculpture Exhibition by two sculptors, Sui Jianguo and Qu Guanci. Sui Jianguo’s work consisted of a figure of Karl Marx dressed in a Mao Suit (approximately 120 cm high), along with a 20 cm figure of Jesus, dressed in an identical Mao suit.

Stop 1: The Red Army Slogan remains in Xingzhou

In the pouring rain, the Long March main contingent arrived at the first exhibition site, Xingzhou, where historical Red Army slogans remain painted. Here, more than thirty slogans from the time of the Land Revolution during the late 1920s still remain on top of a gray wall. During war time, this revolutionary base area underwent continuous changes of hands, and the character for “Red” in the slogan, “The Red Army is for Workers and Peasants” was changed to “White” numerous times by the Nationalist Party.

After half a century, the Long March curatorial crew selected this space to exhibit artworks. Sui Jianguo’s Jesus Dressed in a Mao Suit elicited immense curiosity from local villagers, who stared in awe at the sculpture. In the end, the entire exhibition was completed by the hands of a two-year old child. “Qu Guanci” presented a work by Qu Guanci, at the same time by presenting the soft sculpture figure of Qu Guanci.

Stop 2: 1 Hour Display on Water

The second exhibition site was the famous Jinggangshan Drifting Site, where the crew created a one-hour long exhibition on water at the Zhusha strategic sentry post. Marx is seen standing still on a bamboo raft with a fixed gaze, traveled down the river amidst violently moving rapids. The Marx sculpture added dimension to the magnificent scenery, creating a dramatic and powerful spectacle along the river. Thus began the first “touring sculpture exhibition” of this kind.

According to the original map, the third exhibition was to be held inside a Catholic church in Huangao, Jinggangshan. Formerly, this church was the Red Army’s base camp for transporting goods. Upon arrival, the Long March curatorial crew discovered that what had been an abandoned church a few months ago was now completely renovated, with its large gate now locked tightly. With no other options, the main contingent broke into the church. There are many Christians among the Huangao villagers. Their reverence toward Jesus Dressed in a Mao Suit was expressed clearly in all their words and mannerisms. During the exhibition, an old lady had her palms put together in prayer, continuously begging for mercy.