Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai shines the spotlight on contemporary Chinese design

The inaugural edition of Design Miami/Podium in Shanghai takes place November 4 – 14, 2021, coinciding with Shanghai Art Week. Located on the city’s historic Bund at No. 1 Wai Tan Yuan, the Shanghai fair is presented in partnership with Made in House and co-hosted by Hantang Culture. Curated by outgoing Curatorial Director, Aric Chen, and Deputy Curator (Shanghai), Violet Ruhui Wang, Design Miami/Podium x Shanghai is Design Miami’s first collectible design event in Asia.

Highlights from the five gallery booths and 25 podium exhibitors will explore the theme “Wu Gan: The Art of Design”, investigating design as an art form through 20th century and contemporary works), while drawing on Chinese culture’s historical relationship with fine objects to prompt new interpretations in a contemporary, global context. “This debut edition of Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai is a celebration of the exceptional design talent that exists within China while also showcasing the very best of historic and contemporary design from our expert line-up of international galleries,” says Jennifer Roberts, Design Miami/ CEO.

Gallery and Podium Highlights

Across the Podium exhibition and gallery booths, Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai will highlight exceptional international and Chinese talent including both historic and contemporary masterpieces.

20th Century Modernism

Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai and its galleries will present a selection of pieces that succinctly illustrate the diversity of modernisms that so iconically define 20th century design, from well known-European classics, including the work of Jean Prouvé and Pierre Jeanneret), to examples of modernisms that emerged elsewhere in the world, ranging from an exquisite selection of Shanghai Art Deco from the artist Ding Yi’s Art & Deco Gallery Shanghai, to a rare 1950s Zig Zag chair by Lina Bo Bardi and Giancarlo Palanti of the Brazilian studio d’Arte Palma shown by Nilufar Gallery.

Boundary Blurring

The exhibition will illustrate how many Chinese designers are operating across and between disciplinary boundaries, evoking the historical lack of distinction between art forms in China. Jiang Sheng, celebrated for his sublime contemporary Buddhist sculptures, will present a more than 3-meter-high standing Bodhisattva, one of his largest pieces to date. Also included will be the likes of Xu Zhen and Zhou Yilun, practitioners who work fluidly across contemporary art and design, joined by similarly boundary-breaking designers from abroad such as Daniel Arsham, Virgil Abloh, Rick Owens and Misha Kahn.

Craft and Continuity

The exhibition will highlight how contemporary Chinese designers are experimenting with traditional crafts and craftsmanship to take them in striking new directions, whether through the work of Lin Fanglu, this year's international Loewe Craft Prize winner, with her fiber works made in collaboration with ethnic minority artisans in Yunnan province; the innovative ceramics of Hao Zhenhan, based in the historic porcelain center of Jingdezhen; or Li Naihan, with her exquisite lacquer furniture.

DM/BX

Visitors to Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai will also be able to experience DM/BX, the newly launched online shop by Design Miami/, in person. “While we look forward to welcoming new and old friends to Design Miami/ x Podium Shanghai in November we are also very pleased to be able to offer a robust digital experience for our international audiences - from shoppable works online to our curated DM/BX offering as well as a great selection of digital talks - this will be a truly global affair,” says Jennifer. Highlighting works by locally-based designers, DM/BX will celebrate contemporary works that touch on traditional crafts and traditions such as designer Pili Wu’s Plastic Classic chair which integrates the elegant curves of the iconic Ming dynasty round-back chair and the seat of a quotidian plastic chair. These DM/BX works shown on-site in Shanghai will also be available to shop online, expanding the reach of these unique artists to Design Miami’s global audience.

Galleries

Five international galleries will present standalone booths in Shanghai, representing the very best of historic and contemporary design to a new audience. New York-based R & Company will showcase works by icons such as Wendell Castle and Gerrit Rietveld alongside new ceramics by Katie Stout. Galerie Patrick Seguin will present a number of classic works by iconic French designers including Jean Prouvé, demonstrating the gallery’s expertise in highlighting the talents of French mid-century design in the international market. “We do really strive to connect with Chinese collectors and already are in contact with some established personalities. We see our participation to the fair as a fantastic way to strengthen our connections with new and more established generations of collectors alike. We are thrilled to promote the work of Jean Prouvé in China, where most may not be familiar with his pioneering works yet,” says Patrick Seguin.

PearlLam Galleries will present a group show featuring a A.A. Murakami (the artist duo behind Studio Swine), Zhiqi Ni, Danful Yang, and Enrico Marone Cinzano. The Shanghai-based Danful Yang explores the idea of reinventing traditional Chinese art and craft techniques while utilizing conceptual design ideology to create playful and visually dynamic pieces. A highlight is her iconic ‘Fake Chair’, a hybrid amalgamation of Chinese and western Rococo styles, upholstered with counterfeit designer handbags. Gallery All will also highlight local designers with new work from Hua Wang and Daishi Luo.

The Hybrid Experience: Talks Program, 3D Tours and Shoppable Works

Presented both in-person and online, the Design Miami/ Podium x Shanghai talks program will cover a range of topics, from “Another Modern: Shanghai Art Deco” to “Collectible Design in China, in the World” and “Expanding Craft: Different Meanings of Handmade.” Celebrated panelists include Chinese contemporary artist Ding Yi, designer, Alexander Groves, interior designer, Ju Bin, and pianist and composer Yang Bao, among others. Notable highlights of Design Miami’s online event experience include 3D tours of the exhibition in Shanghai powered by Matterport technology and curated by thought leaders such as Wallpaper China and interior designer, gallerist and Made In House founder, Chris Shao.