'OLD HAT' AND 'NEW HAT'
Background
2020, China was a typical huge consumer society having the world’s largest and most developed e-commerce system, also, the second largest population which stimulate and release the greatest potential of consumption. As a result, our sense of identity and national cultural identity gradually require goods to show off. However, the phenomenon of furniture was somewhat unique in China. China has been a strong country in the manufacture of distinctive serial products, and a strong country in imitating. Mainly because the cheap labour costs.besides,many of our ‘model’ design ideas have been derived from the West which we called ‘design references’ in order to bring creativities conveniently. However, it was also bringing cultural identities as well.
Purpose
This project was part of my exploration of the confused chair landscape in China when I was working. In order to help me understand the status of objects in China as both model and series, I undertook three pieces of reflection related to real and imagined chairs. In all three pieces, I attempt to understand the status of furniture design in Chinese culture from my view, observing surroundings, creating fictions, These collective design exercises are an attempt to provoke discussions and to offer new directions as well as possibilities for Chinese furniture design.
China were occupied by imported 'Model' ornaments
The concept of ‘Model’ and ‘Series’ in objects was purposed by Jean Baudrillard, a French philosopher. Arguably, it elaborated how we created object to stimulate consumption, and how we have been enslaved by objects eventually, 'Model' means those objects or concepts with limited quantities, 'series' means those derivatives from 'Model'
Baudrillard said that goods have become a symbol of consumer power and a symbol of social status.(The System of Objects).Purchases made out of ‘free choice’ make people ‘un-free’ because they consume expected future income and lives. People produce goods and consume goods, but they are ultimately enslaved by the goods and enslaved by the capital behind the goods. The model and series are part of this system, constructing a loop of consumption in a never-ending circle.
Imported 'Model' ornaments and Chinese community phenomenon
俞一小区, China, Shanghai
What if a Chinese model chair in a Chinese community ？
I photographed these photos in a local community where I was working and living in SHANGHAI, every single chair had its own local function. For instance , the boards in left photo were originally placed on the side of the car to prevent dog urine which was a typical Chinese need. However, these objects were full of western ornaments, which give me much insights into exploring the phenomenon that how western objects were shaped by Chinese community.
Visual exploration
俞一小区, China, Shanghai
Why is Ming Chair ?
The MING dynasty chair is a pure MODEL product that China used to have, which represent the social status of officer or elite class during MING dynasty.
Chinese function of 'model' object always was about spiritualization.
Massage - unknown
Outdoors sports facilities - 威哥
Fiction: Local impacts on New ‘Ming’ Chair
Chinese local communities are full of these outdoor fitness equipments, which influenced by 'Model' relaxed way - Massage. These are the factors I thought which would impact 'model' Chinese MING Chair. This series of concepts explore my attempt to hybridise old and new cultural values.(New hat)
楼下王阿姨
房克勤