Chongqing - The 5th Upper and Lower Yangtze River Public Art Action Plan exhibition opened on December 10. It showcases a range of works highlighting the transformative power of public art in community spaces.
The 5th Upper and Lower Yangtze River Public Art Action Plan exhibition opened on December 10 in Chongqing. (Photo/Deng Yan)
Held at the Railway No.3 Village in the Xinshichang Community, Huangjueping Street, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, the exhibition presented nearly 50 pieces from 14 universities along the Yangtze River and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. As a key part of the "Cultural China Tour: The Song of the Yangtze" initiative, organized by the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing Daily, and the Chongqing Artists Association, the event explored how Chinese-style public art can activate communities and bridge the relationship between art, technology, and urban renewal.
Art at the corner
The Railway No.3 Village, with its cobblestone streets, charming red brick buildings, and lush greenery, has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the integration of public art into its everyday spaces. The exhibition was divided into three main sections: the "Through the Light of No.3 Village" photography workshop, the "Train Re-enters the Station" AR digital creative workshop, and the National University Case Exhibition.
"Through the Light of No.3 Village," a photography project, captured the community's cultural and historical essence. One standout piece, Hello Zeying, portrayed 93-year-old local resident Duan Zeying. The work combined contemporary photographs with personal written memories to document the life of a railway worker's family, blending past struggles with present optimism.
One standout piece, Hello Zeying, portrayed 93-year-old local resident Duan Zeying. (Photo/Deng Yan)
Another project, A Village of Music, depicted the vibrant social life in the old community, where activities like choral singing, dance, and music-making serve as crucial cultural connectors.
The Train Re-enters the Station AR exhibition used augmented reality to merge traditional and modern art, offering a captivating, immersive experience. One of its highlights was Train Re-enters the Station, which used AR to recreate the iconic image of trains arriving at the old station, while 25 Letters from the Railway told the emotional stories of railway workers through AR technology, symbolizing unsent letters that carry untold stories of love, struggle, and hope.
One of its highlights was Train Re-enters the Station, which used AR to recreate the iconic image of trains arriving at the old station. (Photo/Deng Yan)
The National University Case Exhibition, featuring works from 14 art colleges, including Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Hubei Academy of Fine Arts, and Nanjing Arts Institute, presented a diverse array of artistic interpretations of how public art can rejuvenate communities. The projects ranged from installations to collaborative pieces, each reflecting their respective locations' distinct cultural and social fabric.
For local resident Liu Xinyu, the exhibition was deeply moving, "The artists have taken our everyday life and stories and turned them into beautiful art. It feels like life itself has been illuminated."
This sentiment echoed across the community, where residents could walk through art installations scattered across public spaces, blending seamlessly with the urban landscape.
Residents could walk through art installations scattered across public spaces. (Photo/Deng Yan)
Public art is defined as art placed in freely accessible public spaces, including sculptures, murals, and installations. It is distinct from art in private spaces in that it serves a public good, enhancing cultural welfare and civic engagement. This concept has been evolving in China, where local adaptations have merged with traditional values to create what is now known as "Chinese-style public art."
Curator Zeng Lingxiang said, "The essence of Chinese-style public art is rooted in public ownership, traditional culture, and a commitment to innovation." Projects like East Ming Art+ by Shanghai University's Zhang Chenglong, which brings art to the community in Pudong New Area, and Nanjing Arts Institute's Map of Nanjing Art exemplify this transformation. They engage with local communities, fostering collaboration between artists and residents.
In Wuhan, the Han Voice project by the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts uses commercial spaces as a backdrop to invite public participation in music-based public art. Through this, the artists aim to capture the essence of the city's voice, allowing people to express their emotions through art.
Residents could walk through art installations scattered across public spaces. (Photo/Deng Yan)
The exhibition has received praise from professionals and art enthusiasts alike. Wei Jia, Vice President of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, said, "This exhibition brings together experts, scholars, and young artists from various fields to explore the intersection of art, technology, and community. It reflects Chinese contemporary art's modernization, locality, and people-centered approach."
Pang Wei, Vice Chairman of the Chongqing Artists Association, emphasized the exhibition's interdisciplinary approach, noting that it promotes community involvement and explores important issues related to urban renewal and cultural development.
"Art not only beautifies physical spaces but nurtures the spiritual well-being of residents, fostering creativity and self-expression," added Dai Ling, Chairperson of the Chongqing Urban Planning Society's Urban Renewal Academic Committee.