Speaker:

Zhu Xi, Lecturer at the Department of Experimental Art, School of Cross-Media Art, China Academy of Art

 

On April 16, 2025, Zhu Xi, a faculty member from the China Academy of Art, shared his profound insights and reflections on spatial installation art at the Nanjing Normal University School of Fine Arts. As an active spatial artist, Zhu delved into the challenges and strategies inherent in public art creation.  

Zhu emphasized that spatial installation art often unfolds under unpredictable and complex environmental conditions, many of which defy anticipation. Drawing examples from Cai Guo-Qiang’s firework performances in Fujian to collaborative projects with students, he discussed the inevitable risks and challenges in the creative process. Notably, he highlighted how public art poses more intricate challenges compared to traditional painting—whether technical hurdles, environmental constraints, or cultural clashes with clients—all demanding adaptability and innovative thinking from artists.  

During the lecture, Zhu underscored the critical role of sketches in his practice, illustrating through case studies how they help teams identify and resolve potential issues in advance. He recounted his collaboration with a light-and-shadow art festival, where he navigated cultural sensitivities raised by the client, adapting the design to harmonize artistic vision with local traditions.  Beyond cultural considerations, Zhu shared pragmatic strategies for managing tight resources and deadlines, including team coordination and efficient resource allocation. For instance, he once completed an installation project within just 15 days, overcoming on-site installation challenges. He stressed that public art is not merely a vehicle for personal expression but a dynamic interaction with society and the market.  

Through these anecdotes, Zhu encouraged emerging artists to remain flexible, learning to negotiate between creative ideals and real-world demands while staying true to their artistic vision. His experiences offered invaluable guidance to practitioners in the field and unveiled the intricate, captivating world behind spatial installation art.