The Re-Craft project has embarked on a mission to make traditional crafts accessible and relevant to modern society. It goes beyond simply showcasing traditional cultural elements, aiming instead to explore these crafts and combine them with contemporary design methods. By collaborating with brands and artists, Re-Craft creates works that are not only suitable for public life but also breathe new life into traditional crafts.
DESIGN
Re-Craft transforms traditional crafts into lifestyle products that people can use and enjoy daily. This approach is more effective than merely displaying these crafts in museums and galleries, as it fosters a deeper connection between the public and traditional crafts, ensuring their continued relevance and appreciation.
With the theme “Thinking about Crafts: Future, Craftsmanship and Mass Market,” Re-Craft’s goal is to explore traditional crafts globally, using modern design methods to rejuvenate them. This initiative aims to create a healthy operating closed loop where traditional crafts, culture, design, and the public market intersect harmoniously. By doing so, Re-Craft not only preserves these crafts but also adapts them to fit contemporary lifestyles, ensuring their survival and relevance in the modern world. Historically, efforts to protect and promote traditional crafts were often limited to learning and display. However, as public life and the modern environment evolved, traditional craft products struggled to remain relevant, resulting in a disconnect between these crafts and the public’s needs. Re-Craft addresses this gap by combining traditional crafts with modern design, ensuring they remain practical and desirable in today’s world.
The emergence of Re-Craft marks a pioneering effort to blend traditional crafts, culture, art, and the mass market. This innovative approach injects vitality into traditional skills through new design methods, making them accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The project’s influence has been substantial, attracting over 20 traditional craft brands and independent artists to participate in exhibitions and promotions. By connecting traditional crafts with global public lifestyles, Re-Craft has generated significant interest and confidence in this new model, proving to be a practical and effective way to promote traditional crafts.
As the initiator and original creator of Re-Craft, Zhang Bo believes that the best way to promote traditional crafts and culture is to make them a part of people’s daily lives. By incorporating traditional craft genes and oriental aesthetic elements into everyday products, Re-Craft pays tribute to these crafts and provides economic support to traditional craft communities. This approach ensures that traditional crafts are not only preserved but also thrive in the contemporary world.
Participating traditional brands and independent artists include:
Angela Wang, co-founder and designer of New York based fashion brand Ratio et Motus. The brand focuses on fine leather goods, referencing vintage accessories with the clean-lined utility of modern life.
Chen Luyao has been at the forefront of jewelry design, blending innovative design techniques with traditional craftsmanship for years. Her work is a testament to the enduring beauty of classic techniques when they meet the fresh perspective of contemporary design. Chen’s jewelry pieces are not just accessories; they are wearable art that tells a story of cultural continuity and creative evolution. Her designs capture the essence of tradition while pushing the boundaries of modern aesthetics, making her a standout figure in the jewelry industry.
Kuan An and Yongjia Huang, founders of of Catlieflat, are interior designers who blend modern city life with traditional cultural roots in their unique yarn creations. Through their work, they express a distinct perspective on lifestyle and interior design.
Ye Fengyi stands out as an exceptional graphic and visual designer who skillfully uses innovative visuals to present traditional culture. His designs are characterized by a blend of modernity and tradition, creating visuals that are both striking and meaningful. Ye’s work transcends mere aesthetics; it is a cultural dialogue that invites viewers to appreciate the depth and richness of traditional heritage through a modern lens. His innovative approach ensures that traditional cultural elements remain relevant and engaging in the contemporary world.
YarnGi, a lifestyle brand founded in New York in 2024 by designers Xiaodi Xie and Yue Zhao, blends the rich ethnic culture of their hometown Yunnan with modern design expertise, creating cool, culturally rooted designs.
Huang is an independent artist and car designer inspired by nature and life. She excels at integrating natural elements with cultural themes to create works that resonate with the public.
Wang Yi Ru, an artist with a background in fashion design, is known for her innovative approach that intertwines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques like 3D printing. Her art challenges conventional boundaries and she is creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. Wang’s exploration of unconventional materials adds a unique dimension to her work, making her a significant figure in the fusion of fashion and art.
Guo Ming and Ren Zheng are an artist duo. Guo Ming explores the subtle boundaries between tradition and contemporary styles through color and form, while Ren Zheng is a skilled professional in computational programming and design.
Liu Yuwei is a graphic designer and artist whose work reflects a combination of culture and design. Over the years, she has focused on creating pieces that are not only visually appealing but also culturally significant. Liu’s designs are known for their depth and thoughtfulness. Her ability to merge cultural narratives into her work ensures that her designs are both beautiful and meaningful.
Wang Hao, a renowned Chinese architect and furniture designer, explores the intricate connections between architecture, structure, nature, and culture. His works are a detailed elaboration of Asian philosophy, presented through modern design principles. Wang’s designs are not just functional; they are poetic expressions of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation. His approach to architecture and design offers a unique perspective that bridges the past and the present.
Gao Xueer has focused on the research of materials and contemporary art, using traditional Chinese papermaking techniques to create a series of 3D artworks. His work is a fascinating blend of ancient techniques and modern artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary art. Gao’s pieces are an example of the relevance of traditional craftsmanship in the modern art world, offering a fresh perspective on age-old techniques.
Fang Yutao, a multidisciplinary artist with a background in architecture, challenges traditional narratives by integrating complex historical symbols into her art. Her work transcends cultural boundaries, creating pieces that are both intellectually stimulating and visually captivating. Fang’s ability to blend historical elements with modern design principles results in art that invites viewers to reconsider their perspectives on culture and history.
Jiangying Guo, an award-winning multidisciplinary designer, founded Mud Silk Studios, blending traditional Xiangyun silk with modern design. Her work spans experience, visual, and space design, promoting a sustainable, mindful lifestyle and cultural preservation.
Zhu Jiayu, with a diverse background in mathematics, urban design, and architectural design, is a boundary-pushing artist and designer. His work explores the intersection of these fields, creating innovative designs that challenge conventional architectural norms. Zhu’s approach is both analytical and artistic, resulting in designs that are precise yet creatively fluid. His ability to integrate mathematical concepts with urban and architectural design makes his work uniquely compelling and thought-provoking.
MUMO, a home furnishings brand from Wenzhou, China, has established itself as a leader in independent design, production, and sales over the past thirteen years. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its wide range of home decor products that blend traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. MUMO’s designs are celebrated for their elegance and practicality, making them a favorite among consumers seeking to incorporate cultural elements into their home environments.
Xu He, an accomplished interior designer and artist, is known for her expertise in the use of space and materials. Her designs strike a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Xu’s work demonstrates a deep understanding of how to harmonize different elements within a space, making her a sought-after designer in the world of interior design. Her ability to create cohesive and inspiring spaces sets her apart in the industry.
Shi Jia Jun, a Cornell University graduate, is renowned for her work in architecture, space, interior, and product design. Her designs are characterized by their creativity and functionality, offering innovative solutions that cater to modern needs. Shi’s approach to design is both imaginative and pragmatic, ensuring that her creations are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Her work continues to inspire and influence the field of design.
Wang Weiyi, an exceptional jewelry and product designer, has a talent for finding interesting details in everyday life and presenting them through his designs. His work is known for its playful and surprising elements, making each piece a delightful discovery. Wang’s designs reflect his keen observation of the world around him and his ability to translate these observations into creative and engaging products. His approach brings a sense of joy and wonder to the field of design.
Huang Xinyi, an environmental and experience designer with a background in psychology, architecture, and UX, excels in creating user-centered designs. Her expertise in modeling and graphic design allows her to bring iterative design and cross-functional collaboration into her projects. Huang’s work emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and creating designs that enhance the overall user experience. Her innovative approach ensures that her designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
These diverse designers and artists, each with their unique approach and vision, are redefining the boundaries of art, design, and culture. Their collective efforts demonstrate that traditional crafts and cultural elements can be revitalized and contemporary life. This synergy between the old and the new ensures that cultural heritage remains relevant and appreciated, providing a rich, multidimensional experience for modern society. Through their work, these designers not only preserve the past but also pave the way for future innovations in the art and design world.
Words by Anastasija Pavić
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