From CNN:
Gunpowder, fireworks and attention-grabbing installations mark Cai Guo-Qiang as one of the world’s biggest and brightest artists.
The Chinese artist is about to show the whole world what he can do with a spectacular pyrotechnics display at the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Despite not having lived in China since 1986, Cai has been selected to be the Director of Visual and Special Effects for both the opening and closing ceremonies at the Games.
For the 51-year-old contemporary artist, whose work has previously caused controversy in China, the politics that have been swirling around the Games are secondary to the event itself.