Naiyi Wang appointed co-curator of Guangzhou Design Triennial

The Guangzhou Design Triennial, set to run from January 16 to May 31, 2024, welcomes Naiyi Wang as its latest co-curator. Joining forces with Shaoqiang Wang, Vicky Richardson, Stanley Wong, and Degeng Li, this team gears up for an inspiring event themed “The Warm-beings”. This theme sets the stage for a diverse group of designers, architects, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across the globe to reimagine real-world designs at a pivotal time.

The Essence and Goals of the Triennial

Under the auspices of the Guangdong Museum of Art (GDMoA), the Guangzhou Design Triennial emerges as a fresh international platform showcasing leading contemporary design and research. The Advisory Board boasts notable figures like Paola Antonelli of MoMA, Feng Boyi, Thomas A. Geisler of Kunstgewerbemuseum Dresden, and several others.

This initiative aims to ignite vital conversations, highlighting the role of design in tackling global challenges. It offers a unique chance for creative interactions between the Greater Bay Area and the international design community, engaging the public in these discussions.

Thematic Exhibitions and Highlights

Among the four thematic exhibitions, “Matters of Care,” curated by Naiyi Wang, stands out. Inspired by Maria Puig de la Bellacasa, this exhibition challenges global creatives to delve into various aspects of care. It explores the politics and ethics surrounding care in a world increasingly marked by carelessness.

Noteworthy installations include MOS Architects’ “Greenhouse No. 1 / Clinic No. 1,” which blends health and nature. Studio Ossidiana’s “Platform for Humans and Birds” examines human and non-human interactions. Terreform ONE’s “HOME ALIVE” envisages a shared ecosystem with other species, and Aldo Cibic’s work prompts thoughts on an inclusive ecological future.

Reflecting on Care in Design

The Triennial provides a platform for local and international designers and architects to integrate the concept of care into their creative processes. It encourages participants and attendees to consider how to nurture care in these uncertain times. This reflective journey is set to continue beyond the event, embracing diverse forms of care.

Participants and Support

The event features a roster of renowned participants, including A.A.Murakami, Aldo Cibic, and Neri Oxman, among others. The “Matters of Care” exhibition is notably supported by the Design Trust Feature Grant, adding to the prestige and impact of the Triennial.

The Guangzhou Design Triennial 2024 not only showcases groundbreaking designs but also fosters a dialogue on the crucial role of care in our world, making it a must-attend event for those in the design and cultural sectors.

Naiyi Wang. Photo: Zhongsheng Gu.