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Exhibition celebrates designer who found 鈥榬ules鈥 in Chinese folk arts
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THE modern discipline of design first emerged in the West. Yet Chinese folk culture has its own unique design history and wisdom, which was first systematically described by designer Lei Kueiyuan, according to organizers of a new exhibition on Lei.
Known as the “father of modern Chinese design,” Lei (1906-1988) analyzed patterns in Chinese craftsmanship and folk culture, and compiled his findings into three books on design theory. These quickly became required reading for design students across the country.
Until December 15, an exhibition of Lei’s design works, books, manuscripts, paintings and other artifacts will be on view at the Crafts Museum at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou.
In his books, Liu discussed how ancient Chinese people exaggerate the shapes of animals and turned them into fixed patterns. He elucidated unspoken rules of symmetry, repetition and balance, and described how ancient Chinese used patterns to depict water, fire, clouds and wind.
“Lei summarized the rambling folk culture in a logical way,” said Hang Jian, director of the museum. “He found the rules and metaphors in patterns used by ancient people.”
Lei was also a prolific designer in his own right, producing everything from tableware, pottery, dyed fabrics and jewelry throughout his celebrated career.
He was also the chief designer of the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Chinese History, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution, and the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, all landmarks of Beijing.
His designs “set the aesthetic style of the country for the next 50 years,” said Hang. “He inherited the country’s traditional architecture style and combined Western classical and modern architecture elements.”
Lei studied painting, batik and lacquerware crafts in France in 1929, which inspired him to later study his own country’s arts and crafts.
When he returned to China in 1931, he worked as a teacher at several art schools, including the National Academy of Art (the predecessor of the China Academy of Art).
Lei often described himself as a teacher. In one article, he wrote “I search for materials, find rules, make Chinese and Western paintings decorative and practical, and compile those into textbooks. I am like a nanny who helps students expand their horizons … and I encourage them to play with their own talents.”
He also helped found the country’s first design organization, and established the first design school with fellow designer Pang Xunqin. The duo later established the Central Academy of Arts and Design, which later became the Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University.
The celebration of Liu and his work is part of the Oriental Design Academic Exhibition organized by the China Academy of Arts. The event includes five exhibitions which demonstrate the birth and development of modern Chinese design.
Date: Through December 15 (closed on Mondays), 9am-4pm
Address: Xiangshan campus of China Academy of Art, 352 Xiangshan Rd
Admission: Free
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