Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang has long developed a reputation as a master of pyrotechnics. His best work derives meaning through the beauty and violence of explosions, such as in 2003's "Light Cycle" fireworks display over Central Park, inspired by the tragic events of 9/11. Lately, we can't take our eyes off the just-plain-awesome "Inopportune: Stage One" installation at the Seattle Art Museum. And we can't help but wonder whether the colorful display of tumbling Tauruses may have served as the inspiration for the explosive car crash scene in this summer's Live Free or Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis and our favorite Maggie Q.

--Will Reiter
"Inopportune: Stage One," at the Seattle Art Museum.

"Inopportune: Stage One," at the Seattle Art Museum.

Scene from Live Free or Die Hard