Cai Guo-Qiang discusses his gunpowder drawing with Albert Chao.

Avalokitesva, Chinese, Northern Zhou dynasty (557-581) to Sui dynasty (581-618),carved limestone, gift of T.T. & W.F. Chao Global Foundation in honor of Mr. andMrs. Ting Tsung Chao, with additional funds provided by the Director'sAccessions Fund

Ritual Vessel (Zun), Chinese, Shang Dynasty, 12th century B.C., bronze, museumpurchase with funds provided by the Friends of Asian Art

Cai discusses his finished work with his collaborators.

Cai discusses his finished work with his collaborators.

Curator Christine Starkman observes the installed panels.

A crew of MFAH employees performed two test runs of the installation before"Odyssey" was created.

The installation crew places Cai's panels in sequence.

Workers put the stencils in place

Cai Guo-Ciang's right hand was covered with gunpowder

Chinyan Wong, from left, and Kelly Ma kept the audience entertained through thelong wait

After the bleachers cleared out, Cai Guo-Qiang was left with his finishedproduct

The crowd packed in for the Cai viewing party.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company provided a setting that kept the waiting crowd morethan satisfied.

The Cai explosion was dramatic and quick.

The smoke filled the Kirby warehouse post blast.

Cai hoped to blow something up by 7, but it wasn't till 8 that the panels wereready for ignition.

Cai examines a test panel.

The artist's crew utilizes stones to keep the paper in place during theignition.

An audience previewed Wednesday's blast.

Kelly Ma of Cai Studio reveals the results of the test ignition.

Cai considers the impression of bamboo on a test panel.

Saint Arnold Brewing Co.

Cai Guo-Qiang