In November 2012, former rector to the Royal College of Art, Sir Christopher Frayling, warned that ‘the RCA will find itself simply “a Chinese finishing school”.’ Three years later in 2015, though a large international presence is certainly felt throughout the institution, to what degree these statements might hold true is still difficult to assess. With this in mind, Design China contributor Skye Mok visited ShowRCA 2015 to profile (some of) the emerging Chinese talent graduating this year in order to make sense of it all.
1. Qiu Simin
Course: MA Design Products
Qiu Simin is obsessed with natural patterns, and while his works share this concept, amazingly none are neither boring nor repetitive. His project “End Grain”, for instance, is a study of wooden materials, where the designer reused waste pine wood to create a range of new patterns. This series is currently on display at The Aram Gallery as part of the exhibition “Extra Ordinary”.
“Artificial Nature”, meanwhile, bridges the gap between science and art, using a wave machine that simulates ocean movement to explore the broad and elegant principles underpinning the formation of ripple patterns. See it in action here.
2. Lou Ran
Course: MA Textiles
Inspired by block-print, Lou Ran mysteriously presented her work as “Untitled” for her graduation project. Even more interesting was her colour choice, alongside her exploration of Chinese heritage through marks and drawings presented on different textile pieces.
3. Lu Honggang
Course: MA Jewellery & Metal
“Lunar Eclipse” by Lu Honggang is a collection of straightforward yet delicate set of accessories. Inspired by eyewear, Honggang’s concept is rather poetic: a lover’s eyes are the most beautiful gem.
4. Yang Dongzi
Course: MA Architecture
Yang Dongzi’s “The Preservation of Authenticity in Modern-Day China” is an ambitious idea for a series of tea-themed buildings for Taishun County, which aim to re-engage with the local way of life there. From civic centres and a tea park, to a tea apartment and ceramic studios, the designer has managed to merge tea culture, especially its manufacturing process, into every aspect of his proposal.
5. He Rongkai
Course: MA Visual Communication
“Unlimited Limited” by He Rongkai is both a playful communist commune and an austere capitalist corporation. Profiting from advertisement, the wealth and power gained by the website is equally distributed to its shareholders, positions that anyone can sign up to, free of charge.
Article written by Skye Mok; edited by Design China.
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