Tradition and Change: A Youth Think Tank on Art and Ideas
Objectives of the Think Tank Provide opportunities for youth in metro Vancouver to engage with contemporary art, issues and artists Create a greater understanding of Chinese culture, both historical and contemporary, and the resonances between creative efforts from the past and the present Develop a community partnership to make the learning relevant and impactful
THE ENTRY POINT APPROACH Conceptual Model for Programming 1. Narrative 2. Aesthetic 3. Logical 4. Foundational 5. Experiential
Narrative Entry Point Sun Yatzen Chinese Classical Gardens
Narrative Entry Point Walking Tour of Chinatown
Aesthetic Entry Point Vancouver Art Gallery tour of The Forbidden City
Imperial Throne Set Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, Wood, jade, ivory, embroidered silk, laquer, cloissonne enamel The Palace Museum
Emperor’s Ceremonial Summer Robe Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing period, Silk, embroidered silk The Palace Museum
Jar with Ten Thousand Shou Characters and Brush Holder Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze The Palace Museum
Logical and Foundational Entry Points Vancouver Art Gallery tour of Unscrolled: Reframing Tradition in Contemporary Chinese Art
Inking of live plants, Black Beauty: A Living Totem Jennifer Wen Ma, 2014
Traces and Container Liu Jianhua, 2011
Container Liu Jianhua, 2011
Shan Shui-Cosmos Sun Xun, 2014
Background Story: 10,000 Li of Mountains and Rivers Xu Bing, 2014
Background Story: Ten Thousand Li of Mountains and Rivers (rear view) Xu Bing, 2014
Bang Ai Wei Wei, 2014
Student Feedback I found the trip touching and exciting on an emotional level because, like the film, I felt the fading culture in Chinatown. Because my parents were immigrants and I used to come to Chinatown every Saturday for Chinese school, I felt conflicted that the area was struggling with either staying as Chinatown is, undeveloped, or letting the development influence it. However, on the second day when I saw the art that hybridized traditional and contemporary art, I felt hopeful that there can be a balance between the two. This is relevant to me because I need to stay true to my values but also stay open to change. In the Gallery exhibition I was amazed how close I was to treasures from the past and authentic traditional clothing. I was also fascinated by the contemporary artists’ sense of creativity and effort to think out of the box in terms of tradition and change.
Experiential Entry Point Studio workshops with artist, Howie Tsui
Artist Howie Tsui with students at Prince of Wales Secondary School