* Coaster Raid: Creative city exploration * (02/2012)

An exhibition that shows us how the citizens of Shenzhen see this city was this year presented as part of the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture at the Civic Center auditorium.

The initiative comes from the creative collective RIPTIDE (http://riptide-collective.org) that has made it its mission to establish and cultivate an artistic community in Shenzhen. Five times so far, the introducers of the famed ‘Pecha Kucha Night’ to Shenzhen have sent out their ‘raiders’ to explore a beforehand selected area of Shenzhen. Until now these five areas have been Dongmen, Shang Meilin, Nantou, Xixiang and Wutongshan. Each raider presents the artwork he has created with his impressions (these include poetry, photography, fashion, painting, architecture and graphic design) a few weeks later to the inhabitants of the explored area. The presentation itself is each time held in a special venue and has drawn attention of both local and foreign art-lovers likewise.

The exhibition held in the Civic Center brings together the results of all five editions with its many different and at the same time related interpretations of how Shenzhen appeals to its inhabitants. Riptide aims for a total picture of Shenzhen that will hopefully stand the test of time and be a testimony to those who come to live in this city after us. With its striking diversity and individuality the participants have accomplished a memorable and impressive image of Shenzhen as we know it today. My impressions of Dongmen from 2010 are showcased there, too.

 

* reflection/ refraction * (04/2011)

group exhibition at babu art gallery, oct loft, futian, shenzhen

		last update: 05/01/2012