Stephen Wilkes‘ new show, The Construction of the Olympic Stadium and Other Chinese Public Works, at ClampArt Gallery depicts a nation in massive transition. Perhaps massive isn’t even the right adjective when one considers that China’s recent economic rise is the largest and fastest growth experienced by a single nation in recorded history. Wilkes’ photo exhibition presents public works on a whole new scale, one suited to fit the world’s most populous nation.

Views of construction for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing (”The Data Center”of which is seen left) and the massive Three Gorges Dam (seen below the jump) - the largest dam on earth projected to supply 10% of China’s electricity needs - show a present day society with the appearance of something straight out of science fiction.

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is a compilation of the week’s most notable stories from our entertainment-meets-social-action blogging network. We brought you some excellent top 10 lists this week on art, technology, director Errol Morris, and naughty celebs who should rethink their eco-lifestyles. Don’t forget to catch up with some of our other most popular articles of the week, as well as a few TakePart blogger favorites.

Katie:

Bush’s War: PBS Frontline Brings the War to a Computer Near You

Inverted Areola, Asymmetrical Breasts, & the Miss Bimbo Game

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Nicole:

Where the Wild Things Are: Top 10 Art Blogs

Dark Water: Artist Explores Consequences of Three Gorges Dam Project

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Giulia:

A Pregnant Man?

Is the Lebron / Gisele Vogue Cover Racist?

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Gina:

Top 10 Technology Blogs

Errol Morris’ Top 10 Films

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Kerry:

Top 10 Celebrities Who Need a New Cause

Dead Bats Flying: Mysterious Fatal Illness Alarms Scientists

The Three Gorges Dam project is currently the world’s largest construction and engineering site, and has been at the center of a substantial amount of controversy over its economic, social and ecological consequences. Located in the Hubei Province of China along the Yangtze River, this 400 mile reservoir will be able to generate 84 billion kilowatts of energy per hour. Yet the project has destroyed 11 cities and has displaced over 1.2 million people.

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