Twenty-two young artists are exhibiting their accessory designs, posters, furniture, illustrations and interior designs at the “Design Practice: National Youth Creative Talents Training Program” exhibition at Guan Shanyue Art Museum. Entry is free.
Heaters by Li Yunqiang. Photos by Cao Zhen
"Red persimmon" by Dai Qian.
Supported by the China National Arts Fund and organized by the museum, the National Youth Creative Talents Training Program was launched last year to boost young artists’ creativity and productivity. The young artists were divided into two groups and trained in Japan and Britain. First they visited universities, institutions and design studios in Shenzhen to study traditional craft revival and design innovation. Then in Japan and Britain, they visited centuries-old design enterprises, universities, museums and galleries.
The young artists all agree that visiting Japan and Britain broadened their perspectives and helped them develop a better understanding of traditional craft revival and design in an innovative way. “I saw abstract art pioneer Piet Mondrian’s artworks at Tate Modern in London. His geometric lines and bright colors reminded me of traditional Cantonese color windows and then inspired me to make kite-shaped souvenirs,” said artist Du Ying.
Kite-shaped souvenirs designed by Du Ying.
A visitor admires Hao Yali’s garments and cloth pieces at Guan Shanyue Art Museum.
Shenzhen Polytechnic teacher Hao Yali exhibited an array of garments and cloth pieces using various traditional Chinese dying techniques. “My trip in Britain triggered me to think about the concept of ‘redesign.’ Then I began to pay attention to sustainable and ecological designs. If we could utilize developed techniques and improved materials for traditional Chinese crafts, we will not only present a fresh visual rendition in products but also enliven the tradition.”
Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts teacher Zhang Xuan visited Itoya, a 100-year-old stationery store in Tokyo. She printed her 40 illustrations from her novels on postcards and hung them on a wall to express her feelings of reminiscence.
Dates: Until March 24
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays
Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, 6026 Hongli Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路6026号关山月美术馆)
Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit B