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Curatorial Rationale
Curatorial Rationale
My Body of Work will be focusing on the relations between Ancient Chinese Architecture and Chinese people, which can reflect the local conditions and customs, since Architecture is inextricably linked to its surroundings, such as the geographical environment and the local inhabitants. Thus, the content comprises Ancient Chinese Architecture and some highly correlated Chinese society subjects. The concept offers people a glimpse into Chinese local conditions and customs by showing them the connection between human activity and architecture.
As a Chinese, I have always been interested in Ancient Chinese Architecture because they have a unique attraction. Due to the covid pandemic, I returned to my hometown, China, and I got the chance to stroll around the city and revisited many places I used to go and hang out with my friends. Some old buildings still exist and maintain good condition. However, most of them were forced to be demolished or became a brick-strewn wasteland. I realized that it is time to document this ancient architecture and landmarks before they are forever gone. Terri Bright, a fine art photographer, inspired me to create my narrative theme. She uses a camera to capture those forgotten items and ordinary spaces, which draws attention to the world's neglected spots. I also applied the way she used the natural palette's unified tone in her work to express a vintage style in my work.
I chose to exhibit my artwork thematically based on its different contents. From left to right, respectively, they display the typical inner decoration and the exterior style of ancient Chinese architecture and finally link them to the local people who have been living in this environment generation by generation. By looking at the interaction and tight correlation between old buildings and their surroundings, it is supposed to guide people to indulge in retrospection of good old days and remind them of similar childhood scenarios. Suppose the audience thinks about the theme of this set of photos in-depth. They will find that this series aims to bring awareness of protecting Ancient Chinese Architectures and traditional culture in general. Architecture is an irreplaceable embodiment of history and culture.
The disappearance of Ancient Architecture foreshadows the evanescence of traditional culture. Thus, preserving meaningful and unique ancient architecture is protecting human civilization itself.
Grocery Store
Grocery Store
It intends to give people a glimpse of the ordinary lifestyles of chinese people. It is a picture of an old grocery store with an electrical bicycle parked in front of the door. The architectural style of this store was prevalent in the early 21 century, which left an important impression in the memory of the past generation. Also, the electric bicycle was people’s favourite means of transportation when I was young, and it was a great symbol of the lifestyle of chinese people.
Barber Shop
Barber Shop
It aims to show a human activity that once played an important role in chinese community but has now been eliminated from modern society. This was another place in which many of my childhood memories were born. The red words on the billboard say “A Barber Shop”, hanging on the wall of a derelict house. My dad took me there every time he needed to cut his hair or shave the beard, and we often met neighborhoods in our community and had a great time talking with each other.
An Old Tailor
An Old Tailor
It is a picture of an old dressmaker’s shop with a tailor standing under a dim light bulb. The colorful clothes in the background contrast with the spartan furnishings of the store, reflecting the hard livelihood of the tailor and the large group of people he represents. The decadence and closedown of these private businesses was a symbol of the evolution of modern technologies and business, as well as the abandonment of the traditional chinese customs and lifestyles.
Obsolescence
Obsolescence
This piece is taken in front of a derelict warehouse which used to be my favourite playground when I was a child. Nowadays, the playground became a wasteland and the old trucks were abandoned. The old trucks represent obsolescence of traditions, while the bike is the symbol of the new lifestyle. Also, the setting of the brik-strewn ground adds a strong feeling of nostalgia to this photo, as it makes people reminisce about their childhoods.
A Rainy Day
A Rainy Day
It is a picture of an old bungalow taken on a rainy day, and the highlight spot of this sense is the laundry that hung up on the front door. The vibrant color of the billboard makes a vivid contrast with the grey and dark color of the environment, which was uncommon in chinese society now. This old-fashioned means of living reflects the changing of my hometown, or in a broader sense, the changing of the entire chinese society.
Afternoon
Afternoon
It depicts some olds chatting in an usual afternoon. This scene reminds me of the good old days I spent with my grandparents when I was a child. With the development of the modern society, the youth moved away from these old blocks and only the elderlys remained living in this area. They, as well as the architectures, were the witness of history and the embodiment of traditional chinese culture.
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