Cao Zhen
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“THE Spirit of Zhong: Contemporary Chinese Design and Craft Exhibition” at Sea World Culture and Arts Center is the first major event organized by Rong Bao Zhai in Shenzhen after it opened an auction company in the city June 6. “Zhong” means Chinese or balanced; the exhibition, centering on Chinese aesthetics, is displaying 79 craft works created by 39 contemporary Chinese designers and national intangible cultural heritage inheritors who render traditional Chinese crafts infused with modern aesthetics and a contemporary outlook. By pushing the boundaries of tradition, some designers create new and exciting forms of expression that inspire viewers to think differently, and demonstrate how cultural practices can evolve and adapt to changing times, yet still maintain their core values and identity. Artist Huang Ji combines the ancient Chinese rhino skin lacquer craft with glassmaking to create stunning pieces that showcase the translucent beauty of glass alongside the flowing charm of colorful speckled lacquer patterns. Not quite what the name suggests, rhino skin lacquer is a type of lacquer where the pattern is made by applying successive layers of colors on a lacquer base. Some works blend various cultural influences, creating a bridge between the past and present and facilitating cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. German fashion designer Kathrin von Rechenberg’s artwork is made with fragrant cloud organza, also known as gambiered gauze, a hand-woven, plant-dyed fabric with a long and profound history in Guangdong. The dyestuff is extracted from the dioscorea cirrhosa plant, in which the tannic acid generates a variety of colors such as maroon, tawny and coffee through chemical reactions. The production of fragrant cloud organza involves the process of dyeing more than 30 times and the final organza needs to stand for years, making the pieces even more valuable. The dyeing technique of fragrant cloud organza was inscribed on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008. Rechenberg draws inspiration from geometric lines to preserve the original art design as much as possible. With a history of 351 years, Rong Bao Zhai, a Beijing-headquartered painting and calligraphy brand, used to sell traditional Chinese stationery, calligraphic works and paintings. Over the centuries, it has developed into a comprehensive enterprise engaged in the gallery business, auctions, traditional Chinese stationery, intangible cultural heritage, publishing, exhibitions, fine arts education, e-commerce, creative products and data asset operations. It has also housed many ancient stationery treasures, as well as calligraphy and paintings. “Focusing on contemporary Chinese design and craft for this exhibition reflects that Rong Bao Zhai, which is rooted in traditional Chinese culture, is actively embracing the new era,” said Zhao Dong, secretary of the Party committee and executive director of Rong Bao Zhai Co. Ltd. On June 7, Rong Bao Zhai exhibited woodblock prints at the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, showcasing masters’ paintings and calligraphic works, the national intangible cultural heritage craft, digital works and modern cultural and creative products. The first Rong Bao Zhai (Shenzhen) Spring Auction will be held in July. “As a window for cultural exchange, Rong Bao Zhai is committed to help make Shenzhen a global artwork trading hub by hosting diverse cultural and art activities,” said Zhao. Dates: Until June 24 Venue: Garden View Gallery, 3/F, Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Nanshan District (海上世界文化艺术中心三楼花园展馆) Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A | 