Shanghai Natural History Museum (Branch of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum) partnered with Shanghai Art Century Museum to launch a series of science popularization and aesthetic education activities themed "Soul of Chinese Loong" in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. The launching ceremony was held at Shanghai Natural History Museum on the afternoon of January 21, with the goal of providing the public with an immersive artistic experience that melds science and technology with environmental conservation and cultural elements. Zhang Qi, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau graced the ceremony with his presence.
As a highlight of the event in the first quarter of 2014, the high-profile "Chinese Loong" sculpture, featuring a height of five meters and an armored dragon coiled around a colossal sphere, stands in front of Shanghai Natural History Museum, drawing numerous citizens to pause for photos. "The flying red dragon is exceptionally festive and lifelike." Miss Wang, a citizen, captured multiple photographs of the "Chinese Loong".
The "Chinese Loong" was created by Wang Chunhui, a China-chic artist and the originator of the "Chinese Loong" IP. Inspired by classic dragon totems, the "Chinese Loong" sculpture melds the vibrant cyan color of the Azure Dragon with the festive red color, while integrating punk metal and street cultural elements. This dynamic fusion highlights the vitality and spirit of self-improvement embodied by dragon totems.
"We utilized a palette of contrasting colors to enhance the visual appeal of the dragon. Moreover, to increase the appeal of this traditional historical symbol to people, we incorporated a variety of fashionable design elements into it. These include the patterns inspired by the Great Wall at the sculpture's base and the punk metal elements along the dragon's body. We hope to bring a fresh perspective that will enable everyone to gain a greater understanding of and confidence in the culture of the Chinese nation. We also hope that the pivotal symbols from China's history can set the pace in the global cultural arena, propelled by the tremendous momentum of dragons." said Wang Chunhui.
Following the launching ceremony, an array of engaging activities was held. Attendees had the opportunity to snap photographs, make red envelope covers for the Year of the Dragon, interact with fellow participants, receive red envelopes, and participate in a lottery for a chance to win an assortment of gifts.
In addition, the limited-edition peripheral cultural and creative products inspired by the "Chinese Loong" IP jointly launched by Shanghai Natural History Museum and Shanghai Art Century Museum made their debut during the event. These include the "Soul of Chinese Loong" limited-edition mystery box series and co-branded art bags adorned with Chinese Loong ink wash paintings. These items seamlessly blend the iconic image of the Chinese Loong with modern, trendy design elements.
It is learned that the "Soul of Chinese Loong" science popularization and aesthetic education activities will take place throughout 2024. Famous artists from Shanghai, such as Wang Chunhui, Kong Dada, Ding Liren, and Zhu Jingyi, will be invited to create works themed on the Year of Dragon and reinterpret the essence of the Chinese Loong culture through the form of science popularization and art education.
These activities encompass the special offering of "Chinese Loong" China-chic art IP products during the Chinese New Year and the release of the "I Am a Dragon" collection – a series of Dragon New Year stamps designed by artists. In addition, participants can embark on a creative journey with the "Happy Dragon" handmade collage class and the "Flying Dragon Salutes to The Dream" digital painting art workshop. By integrating engaging offline interactions, these activities promise to present a rich and diverse scientific and artistic feast, which will be filled with numerous standout moments for attendees to enjoy.
According to Ni Minjing, Curator of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai Natural History Museum partners with Shanghai Art Century Museum this time to introduce China-chic art IPs. This initiative aims to diversify their offerings and draw an increasing number of visitors by showcasing a creative fusion of science popularization and aesthetic education. This endeavor signifies a novel exploration into the convergence of the two realms. Liu Zihui, Curator of Shanghai Art Century Museum, views the collaboration with Shanghai Natural History Museum as a groundbreaking milestone within the art museum community. She considers it an innovative approach to promoting urban aesthetic education through engaging artistic initiatives. She hopes that the series of activities planned for the year will inspire the public to begin a journey of science popularization and aesthetic education journey.