The Year of the Dragon starts from February 10th and it is one of the most popular out of the twelve zodiac signs. According to Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes good fortune, excellence and determination, dignity and divinity, power over weather and water, and a pioneering spirit.
The core element of the dedicated installation at LuisaViaRoma store will be the bamboo, an extremely symbolic material for Chinese culture, representing toughness, grace and harmony.
Upon entering the store, beneath the arches, visitors are greeted by an ornate bamboo sculpture, inviting them to immerse themselves in Sean Wu’s distinctive masterpiece. while the external arch screen reproduces video footage of bamboo artworks. To set up the main in-store installation, the artist crafted the bamboo sticks in order to recreate the undulating, waving dragon shapes, made even more attractive by an inner lighting system as artistic embellishment to let visitors dive into three different spatial artistic plans.
These dragon installations, crafted from organic materials, underscore Sean Wu’s commitment to sustainable design practices. Through this immersive spatial experience, we proudly showcase the captivating dragon motif, celebrating the essence of the Lunar New Year.
Throughout the set-up of the installation we’ve had a moment to sit down with Sean Wu to understand better his thought process, inspiration and the motivation behind crafting this unique artwork. Keep on reading to uncover the complete narrative that blends two worlds, paying homage to history while embracing a refreshingly contemporary perspective.
I believe that creativity has the power to touch hearts and create connections between people. Just like the spirit of a dragon, it lies in the ability to connect and unite
In Conversation With Sean Wu
Sean Wu, Your artistic vision seamlessly fuses Chinese motifs and aesthetics with contemporary elements. Can you elaborate on the creative thought process behind the creation of this installation and how you managed to maintain a balance between your cultural heritage and the contemporary, western aesthetic of LuisaViaRoma?
SW – The reinterpretation of Chinese cultural imagery has been the direction I’ve explored through many of my works. In various creations, I aim to break free from representational expressions, choosing a more abstract and contemporary approach rather than literal depictions. In this series of installations designed for LuisaViaRoma, I employ spiraling bamboo weaves to evoke the movement of a dragon. These bamboo weaves are strategically placed on either side of the arches, creating a continuous bamboo forest that appears to “grow” within the space. The lighting installations are crafted from upcycled materials to replicate bamboo joints, forming another illuminated forest inside. Both installations aspire to bring traditional Eastern aesthetics into a contemporary context, presenting a universal beauty that can be appreciated by all guests.
Your commitment to sustainability is evident in your choice of materials. How do you hope your artwork contributes to the broader conversation on environmental awareness and responsible consumption?
Sustainability is a pivotal consideration throughout my creative process, spanning from the selection of materials to the final shipping and presentation of the installation. This series of installations presented for LuisaViaRoma is a reflection of that conscientious approach. While both pieces depict bamboo, they employ different materials. The exterior installation incorporates organic bamboo strips, showcasing the pliability of these slender strips, enabling them to be bent and recreated into the form of a dragon. The interior lighting pieces are crafted from recycled glass, resembling bamboo joints. Additionally, the modular design of the individual lighting components makes them easy to ship and store. All of the components of the installation can be totally reused for future exhibition needs. These installations align with a sustainable creative philosophy that resonates with the broader discussion in sustainability. I hold the belief that genuine sustainability is demonstrated through practical implementation in the creative process.
Every artist faces challenges. Can you share a particularly challenging moment in your artistic journey and how you overcame it? Additionally, what consistently inspires and fuels your creativity?
Certainly, one of the challenging moments in my artistic journey has been the aspiration to make my works more than just visually appealing. I try to cultivate interaction and dialogue between the viewer and my works. I’ve discovered that the fusion of functionality with cultural resonance can fulfill that dialogue with the viewer. The familiarity in either the concept or the material can spark a connection. For instance, these lighting pieces, among many of my works, are available in various sizes, allowing them to be appreciated in one’s home. It adds a practical dimension to the design and makes it easier to connect with daily life.
Consistently inspiring and fueling my creativity is the belief that art can transcend mere observation, evolving into a dynamic and immersive experience. Drawing from my background in architecture, design, and art, I approach each creation with a multidimensional perspective. Each piece is not just a singular work; it is an experience meant to be shared.
How does the installation at LuisaViaRoma stand out from your other works? Are there any unique features we can witness in your work done for us?
The installation at LuisaViaRoma stands out as it marks the first time I have created bamboo installations outside of China. While the bamboo concept has been present in my other works, this particular project brings a fusion of Chinese cultural aesthetics with Italian architecture. It’s intriguing to witness how these distinct cultural elements merge and complement each other. The installation invites viewers to engage with the works more intimately by allowing them to walk in the space and experience each bamboo creation closely.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist, and are there specific themes or mediums you are eager to explore in the future?
For the future, my overarching theme for exploration is still the convergence of the East and West, past and present. Through many of my artistic creations, I aim to integrate traditional elements into contemporary settings and introduce Eastern aesthetics to a global audience. While bamboo remains an important material, I am eager to further explore its diverse possibilities. Beyond its original form, I envision using bamboo as a foundational material for creating collectible art and design pieces, pushing the boundaries of its creative potential.
