The 'Dinosaur' series is one of Sui Jianguo's signature works. It symbolizes China's identity as an economic powerhouse in the neoliberal era through the 'Red Dinosaur,' a representation of its export power. The artist was inspired to start the 'Dinosaur' series after seeing a 'Chinese-made' dinosaur toy during a trip to Japan. This toy, designed in the West and mass-produced in China due to low labor costs, was primarily exported and sold in East Asian countries.
The work features forms and materials that mimic dinosaur toys, with a cheap appearance and artificial colors, and prominently displays the phrase "made in China" in the center of the piece. The "made in China" label is arguably more globally recognized than any Chinese brand itself. Thus, the piece reflects China's role and position in the global economy, characterized by mass production and exportation without distinct local features. At the same time, it draws an analogy between the dinosaur, which could not adapt to changing environments and became extinct, and China's own identity.
