Zhengzhou and London, the two cities where I grew up and went to university, have shaped my understanding of architecture and cultural identity. Though geographically and culturally distinct—China in the East, and England in the West—both cities feature striking examples of exoticised architecture.
In this project, I explore these transcultural landscapes through the lens of 'architectural collage.' By documenting the presence of Western replicas in China and Chinese pagodas in England, I reflect on the hybridisation of these spaces. These structures, though rooted in distinct traditions, are reimagined and transplanted across continents, challenging the boundaries of cultural authenticity. Through this visual exploration, I aim to question the significance of these architectural imports, examining how they embody the complex intersections of culture, power, and place.
the Architectural Collages Between East and West
China House, London 2023
Wing Yip Croydon, London 2023
Victoria Park, London 2023
Wing Yip Croydon, London 2023
the Chinese Garage, London 2023
SIAS University, Zhengzhou 2023
SIAS University, Zhengzhou 2023
SIAS University, Zhengzhou 2023
Jinma Square, Zhengzhou 2023
SIAS University, Zhengzhou 2023
photobook
the Architectural Collages Between East and West
steel wire, riso print photographs
160mm x 225mm
This book explores exoticised and transcultural architectures in China and England through a concept of 'architectural collage.'
To illustrate this hybridisation, I blend my photographs of Western architectural replicas in China with Chinese pagodas in England.
Flipping through the photobooks
(Videos of Vertically & Horizontally split photobooks)Exhibition & Installation
(Copeland Gallery, 25th March 2024)
Blue Willow Big Ben Plate
Designed by artist
10-inch Ceramic plate, 2024
Designed by artist
10-inch Ceramic plate, 2024
Blue Willow Salad Plate by Churchill
Purchased online by artist
20cm Ceramic plate, 2024
Purchased online by artist
20cm Ceramic plate, 2024
The English Willow pattern is a chinoiserie plate pattern produced by Thomas Lucas and James Richards at the end of the 19th century. The pattern is characterised by Chinese elements such as a bridge, a garden fence, a pair of birds, and details of pavilions, etc. Willow pattern plates is evidence of the exotification and appropriation of Chinese culture, which is from westerner’s imagination.
SIAS is a university in Zhengzhou, China. Their campus replicates Regent Street and Big Ben. Based on the design of the Willow Pattern plate, the plate features a photograph of the fake Big Ben in China.
The Willow pattern (right) constructs a stereotyped and romanticized Chinese garden, which was designed by English and made in England. To challenge this colonial history, the Big Ben plate was designed by myself as a Chinese artist and made in a Chinese ceramic factory.