Warm charm in 80 world creators' rug artistry

Inspiration can strike in some unlikely places and your ordinary rug can be an unconventional canvas for spectacular graphic design. Eighty outstanding architects, designers and artists from around the world demonstrate this in a new exhibition at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center (SWCAC).

Visitors take photos or observe rug art at the “80x80 Carpet Design Project of 80 Artists” exhibition at SWCAC. Photos by Cao Zhen

Curated by Japanese graphic designer Katsumi Asaba and Chinese graphic designer Jumping He, the “80x80 Carpet Design Project of 80 Artists” showcases 80 traditional hand-made rugs with modern graphic designs by the 80 exhibitors, including Kengo Kuma, Kenya Hara, Han Jiaying, Yung Ho Chang and Stefan Sagmeister. The rugs were crafted by artisans in Nepal.

Asaba and He initiated the project when they were about to celebrate Asaba’s 80th birthday in 2020. They believe that magic happens when creativity is applied to special materials or techniques. With warm charm, engaging designs and comfort-soft texture, the exhibited rugs portray the unique vision of the artists.

Visitors wander at the “80x80 Carpet Design Project of 80 Artists” exhibition.

According to Zhang Qi, the exhibition’s technical director, most works in the exhibition use the traditional Tibetan hand-knitted carpet craft, but dyeing and weaving techniques have been improved and raw materials and other traits of the rugs are much finer when applied to the Tibetan craftsmanship that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Zhang also noted that different types of crafts, raw materials (wool, silk or hemp) or artistic details were applied to the rugs according to the uniqueness of each artist’s work. A large amount of time and effort went into composing the intricate ornaments, selecting the perfect colors and weaving these inspiring rugs.

Past graphic design works by Asaba are also on display at the exhibition, providing a comprehensive retrospective of his practice. The award-winning designer has an interest in exploring the relationships between written and visual expression.

A rug designed by Jan Wilker from the U.S.

Dates: Until July 5

Tickets: 68 yuan

Venue: UCCN Gallery, 2/F, Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Nanshan District (海上世界文化艺术中心二楼联合国教科文组织展馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A