Cao Zhen

    caozhen0806@126.com

    THIS summer, 11 designers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong were invited to design creative maps or posters for the OCT-LOFT, which was transformed from an abandoned industrial warehouse space to an art-and-design hub in 2006. Their works are now being exhibited at B10 in the North Area of OCT-LOFT in Nanshan District until October.

    Different from geographic maps, the creative OCT-LOFT maps focus on the character and spirit of the place. “OCT-LOFT is a place that combines life and art. This project aims to let artists and the public rediscover the creative nature of OCT-LOFT,” said Bi Xuefeng, curator of the exhibition.

    Bi is the founder and creative director of IMAGRAM Graphic Design Co., which is located inside OCT-LOFT. He is one of the 11 designers attending the exhibition.

    Using creative imagination, his “LOFT Happy Land” gives spectators a brief glimpse into the posh and verdant OCT-LOFT, which is a cluster of fancy bars, avant-garde design studios, peaceful bookshops, galleries and tasty restaurants.

    Similar work is Chen Zhuoxin’s “Lost in LOFT.” At the exhibition the map that is designed to function as a board game is placed with dices, inspiring visitors to play it.

    In the game, players are factory-owners who find their warehouses occupied by art studios. In order to regain their lost land, they have to pass all the barriers set by the creative artists. “We hope the public could interact with the exhibition and express their own ideas,” said Bi.

    At the exhibition, visitors are also invited to draw creative images on blank thumbtacks to win gifts like postcards and T-shirts.

    Dates: Until Oct. 6

    Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mondays

    Venue: B10, North Area, OCT-LOFT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城创意文化园北区B10)

    Metro: Luobao Line, Qiaocheng East Station (侨城东站), Exit A