Installation, photographic and video works since 1988
HS Code 640399
The piece consists of a pair of aluminum shoes and a small LCD screen that shows video images of a burning leather shoe. The title ‘Category 640399’ refers to the Abbreviation of Commodities, which codifies and categorizes all commercial trade objects. 640399 is described as Other Leather Shoes-footwear, outer sole rubber etc./ leather upper Nesoi. Chinese exports of Category 640399 to the EU market increased 681% in 2005, which provoked an outcry by Western shoe manufacturers who urged the EU government to curb imports of this item. Italian shoe manufacturers issued a declaration on their refusal to outsource their products, which are generally regarded to be part of the ultra-luxury brands culture. In their declaration they reinstated Made in Italy and Made in France as signifying unsurpassed Unique Quality. In 2005 a large quantity of imported Chinese shoes was set on fire in Spain by outraged shoe retailers and manufacturers. (Ni Haifeng)