It has been an ongoing project rather than an art exhibition. Especially, Tokachi was hit by a typhoon right before the opening, which was unexpected during this season in Hokkaido. All the artists and staff members faced extreme physical and technical difficulties. Under difficult situations, people worked beyond their given assignments and positions, laboring together toward one aim. Under such a challenging outdoor condition, all the artists collaborated and inspired each other for the opening of the Demeter exhibition. As a director, I am completely satisfied with our achievement. Demeter changed and evolved much from the initial plans, however, I am convinced that the exhibition is and will bring something eye-opening to all audience members.

The original plan for Project for Obihiro: Sky Bound UFO and Shrine was to float a 30 meter in diameter and 10 meter thick UFO with a red shrine hanging from the bottom. The plan has been changed and the work is in progress after the opening of the exhibition. Right before the opening in heavy rain, many staff and volunteer members were working to infuse helium. But the balance and timing were off. The balloon blew up into a strange artwork shaped like a whale instead of a UFO, before collapsing. Research showed that the UFO had structural problems.
Cai Guo Qiang is always ready to adapt to new situations and give inspiration and energy to people. His work continues. No one knows if the UFO will float or if a new plan will be presented by the artist.

It was announced at the Obihiro horserace track, the Demeter exhibition site that an open gunpowder drawing would begin soon. One day before the opening, everyone was extra busy with their own work, but wanted to see Mr. Cai’s drawing process, as well.

Right before he began his drawing, Mr. Cai said that he wanted to change the work place from the space in front of the racehorse stand to the Interzone area where he could avoid the wind. However, because of construction regulations, they could not start a fire there, so he agreed to do the drawings in front of the stand as scheduled.
While audience came around to watch Mr. Cai, the panel was carried over. There was a problem: Mr. Cai found out that the type of materials that he usually uses were not all there in the box which contained the gunpowder.

Mr. Cai squatted down next to the panel, not knowing what he should do. The staff members started to panic. Soon, it was decided to do the drawing with the available materials. As it was announced that the drawing would proceed, people came back right away. A piece of cardboard was cut in a shape of a UFO. After Mr. Cai placed the gunpowder and fuse, the cardboard was placed in the center of a piece of paper. Young volunteer workers collected stones and placed them on the cardboard as if it was some kind of ritual. Then, it was ignited.
Mr. Cai asked people to stand back to avoid danger.

The tense moment passed really quickly. After it sparked with explosive noise, the assistant workers around the paper pressed towels on the trace of fire, so that they would not burn the paper longer than necessary.
People applauded. In a white space, a small gunpowder drawing was done and the open drawing finished in one and half hours. We knew when it was completed because Mr. Cai finally looked relaxed!
They still had to work on the installation of the UFO balloon. The Chinese staff went to the work site as soon as they arrived at the exhibition site here in Obihiro. A typhoon is approaching and it is raining hard at four o’clock in the morning now. The staff members are still working on the UFO installation.