A Fusion of Traditional Chinese Mythology and Modern Design
Concept:
This is a planter composed of 3 components: the main planter, complete with anacrylic cover, and an exterior layer of decoration. The inspiration for this project is drawn from traditional mythology, specifically, The Four Symbols (Chinese: (“四象”; literally meaning "four images"). These creatures, represented in Chinese constellations, are viewed as guardians of the four cardinal directions. The Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise, also known as Four Auspicious Beasts and Four Guardians, served as the basis for the exterior design. The color scheme of black on the outside and gold on the inside reflects Chinese philosophy's emphasis on restraint; it also aims to show majesty of the four holy beasts. As an artist hailing from a small city in China, I hold great respect and admiration for my cultural heritage.
While studying at UCLA, I am eager to incorporate my artistic and cultural background into my works. Through the creation of the Four Symbols planter, I hope to serve as a bridge, introducing others to my Chinese heritage and adding to the community's diversity
Design: Ian Lihui Wang
Winter 2023 University of California, Los Angeles
DESMA 22: Form
Instructor: Berfin Ataman
Photos:
Luminous Legacy
The 3D Magic Lotus Lantern
Concept:
The inspiration behind this artwork comes from a Chinese folktale from the Qing dynasty called "The Magic Lotus Lantern." The story follows the tale of Huayue Sanniang, a goddess in the Heavenly Palace, who falls in love with a mortal scholar named Liu Yanchang. However, their relationship is vehemently opposed by the gods due to their laws. Using the magic lotus lantern, Huayue Sanniang defeats her brother Erlang Shen and marries the scholar. Together, they have a son named Chen Xiang. Years later, Erlang Shen tracks down the couple using the light of the magical lotus lantern. He pushes Huayue Sanniang under a giant stone at the top of the Western Peak of Mount Hua.As Chen Xiang grows up, he becomes determined to rescue his mother and learns martial arts skills, crafting a powerful weapon called the Mountain-Opening Axe. Using the light of the lotus lantern, he defeats Erlang Shen with the axe and splits open Mount Hua, rescuing his mother and reuniting his family.
The fairytale has been adapted into various TV and cartoon series that I enjoyed during my childhood. These shows stimulated my creative imagination and my fascination with magic powers. Thus, through 3D modeling and printing, I recreated an artwork to celebrate these Chinese folktales, which are significant parts of my childhood memories. By painting the power with metallic blue and gold colors, I aimed to use the color to interact with the lighting. Once the lamp is on, the metallic texture captures the sacred feeling of the lotus lantern.
Design: Ian Lihui Wang
Software: Autodesk Fusion 360
Winter 2023 University of California, Los Angeles
DESMA 22: Form
Instructor: Berfin Ataman
Mamianqun
An Artistic Call for Cultural Preservation and Awareness
Concept:
I created a special Mamianqun (Horse Face Skirt) made by collaging two pieces of fabric with different patterns. I intended to address the issue of cultural reservation within the Chinese community. The Mamianqun is a traditional Chinese dress that originated from the Song Dynasty and is characterized by pleats on two sides. It was designed specifically for women to enable them to ride horses.
In July 2022, Dior was suspected of copying the Mamianqun design without acknowledging its Chinese cultural heritage, and this act was condemned by the Chinese community abroad. Dior's incident prompted me to reflect on the importance of cultural protection. On one hand, the lack of representation of Chinese culture in the global society has led to misunderstandings and cultural appropriations. On the other hand, the Chinese community's attitude towards cultural reservation needs to evolve. Most Chinese people were unaware of the Mamianqun until Dior's cultural appropriation.
Through this work, I want to provoke people's cultural awareness and raise a question for my community: as the inheritors of ancient Chinese culture, have we actively learned and admired our own traditional culture in our daily lives? Before the Dior incident, perhaps most of us didn't even know about its existence and history Being ignorant of our roots, we risk losing our cultural identity and encouraging cultural appropriation. Self-awareness of our cultures provides the cornerstone for cultural representation. I hope to encourage greater awareness and appreciation of Chinese culture, both within the global society and within the Chinese community itself.
Design: Ian Lihui Wang
Model: Hailey Sunwoo Jeon
Winter 2023 University of California, Los Angeles
DESMA 22: Form
Instructor: Berfin Ataman
Work in Progress (Paper Model - Fabric Model - Sewing - Presentation):