61 little figurines positioned over a large map of China (800x500cm). Inspired by children's toys and the popular chocolate, Kinder Surprise, Shen has created an endearing installation with much deeper social relevance. A large chocolate egg stands at the back with its top cracked open: this symbolises birth. The chocolate melts away onto the black soil of Chinese land. Little, sweet figurines dressed in typical Chinese costumes, are seen running away from the chocolate egg. This is the artist's analogy for the issue of Chinese immigration. The Dinosaur's Egg: A Kinder Surprise Installation. Fibreglass figures (group of 61. each measuring 45 x 50 x 55cm). 2001. SHEN YUAN )ā Seven frozen tongues are suspended from the wall, which gradually melt away. Beneath the tongues are traditional Chinese spittle bowls, which collect the dropping liquid, representing the need to prevent wastage. After some time, menacing knives appear from behind and slowly slice through the now frozen tongues. This rather aggressive performance represents the artist's response to the loss of communication between people, and the difficulties of being immigrants in a foreign land. Wasting one's spittle Installation. Mixed media. 1994.
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