Cao Zhen

    caozhen0806@126.com

    OCT-LOFT is opening up a refreshing new series of public art, enhancing the pedestrian experience in the area.

    Organized by OCT-LOFT and curated by the local art organization Shenzhen Parlor, the 2021 OCT-LOFT Public Art Exhibition takes “The Open Window” as its theme, which shares the same name with Henri Matisse’s 1905 oil painting. The streetscape in the popular creative park has been enlivened by six works of Shenzhen-based artists who hope to inspire visitors to view our lives from different perspectives.

    Visitors can simply stroll along the main street in OCT-LOFT to view the installations. Locations of the six works can be found on boards scattered in the area.

    Near Starbucks in the south area is artist Xue Feng’s installation “Window of the World.” “Windows symbolize a way to the outside world,” explained Xue. “The Window of the World theme park in Shenzhen, an iconic scenic spot with reproductions of world-famous tourist attractions, represents people’s desire for the outside world. My work here embodies everyone’s perspective to view the world.”

    Veteran artist Liang Quan paints “Bookshelf Roaming” on the ground in an inviting way. “Art belongs to everyone,” Liang explained his work briefly. His large abstract painting on the ground is inspired by murals in Juanqinzhai, considered to be the most exquisite room in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

    Juanqinzhai used to be a study and leisure room for Emperor Qianlong and later emperors in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Dazzling paintings cover the ceiling and walls of the room. The paintings infuse Chinese landscape and subjects with Western techniques of perspective and trompe l’oeil which were introduced by Italian artist and court painter Giuseppe Castiglione. The panoramic murals are believed to be painted by Castiglione’s student Wang Youxue.

    Jiu Society, with its three members all born and raised in Shenzhen, creates works about the collective experiences of Shenzhen characterized by burgeoning economic growth and a coalescence of cultures. The three young artists have brought sculpture “BB Bull,” inspired by Pan He’s sculpture “Pioneering Bull,” to OCT-LOFT. Pan’s sculpture created in the early 1980s captures the city’s pioneering spirit, diligence, dedication and hard work — qualities associated with Shenzhen, while Jiu Society’s “BB Bull” represents the boundary-breaking spirit of new Shenzheners.

    “Although Shenzhen has a brief history, there have been changes every 10 years and we would like to observe the changes,” Jiu Society explained, adding that a new member from Guangzhou has joined them recently. “In the future, artists from other places in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area may also join us and we will not focus just on Shenzhen issues in art creations.”

    Other works by artists Zhou Li and Li Jinghu and the art group See You Tomorrow provide a relaxing and engaging environment in OCT-LOFT. Zhou’s PVC installation “Rainbow” is a riotous explosion of colors. Li’s “Rainbow Columns” is a glass stick filled with smashed plastic trash and See You Tomorrow’s “Niu Star” shines on the top of a building, both representing blessings and giving hope to passersby.

    Transformed from a factory compound to one of the country’s most popular creative communities, OCT-LOFT, with a 15-year history, acts as a window for the city’s contemporary art, creative design and avant-garde music. During the public art exhibition period, guided tours will be organized for visitors to explore some of the art spaces in OCT-LOFT.

    Dates: Until Dec. 19

    Venue: Outdoor areas, OCT-LOFT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城创意文化园户外空间)

    Metro: Line 1 to Qiaocheng East Station (侨城东站), Exit A