Bazaar Compatible Program

Artist: Xia Yilan, Paul Devautour
Location: Shanghai Market, Shanghai, China
Year of completion: 2011
Researcher: Dan Wang

Beyond the white cube and the quest for specificity that have characterized the history of modern and contemporary art, the latest practices of art are implementing strategies of infiltration, immersion, and encryption. Compatibility has become the first criterion of downloadable aesthetic forms.

In this experimental booth, located among the retail stores in a typical Shanghai market, various art programs continuously take place and broaden local people’s knowledge of art. This mini-sized space is less than 10 square meters. There is no door or logo, nor even any labels on the space. This program is designed to explore new compatible formats developed by the artists in a global networked culture, but in a way that is harmonious and compatible with the surrounding environment.

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Bazaar Compatible Program was designed by Xiyitang and Shanghai International Graduate School of Arts as part of a research program called Creation and Globalization at École Nationale des Beaux Arts de Nancy. It implemented by Shanghai Deyi Studio. The space hosted 64 projects between March 9, 2011, and September 2014. Invited artists could use this space for two weeks. It is open to different kinds of arts and is also a playground for experimental projects. The space is designed not only for experienced artists but is also a place for young artists to present their creations.

Public art is based on the behavior of the social activity of the spirit, whose ultimate goal is not only the solidified physical form, but also to give birth to the concept of public space and cultural growth through placemaking. At the same time, it also projects a contemporary meaning of life closely associated with cultural pluralism. Placemaking views civic issues not only through physical vision but pays great attention to community concerns at the level of spiritual inspiration.

In recent years, international "community arts" continue to be expanded through research and optimization of regional lifestyles. As a result, the new social interaction becomes an important thrust in improving communities and residents’ quality of life.

In this sense, public art for the building of an area is not only a work of art but an artistic phenomenon or art which merges into the local environment. In addition, intrinsic growth potential will let it take its course into each element of the area’s ecology. Ultimately, it will create fresh healthy growth in a process of constant interaction. Under the new mechanism, the artistic potential of an area is gradually activated and regional development will be more flexible and open. Therefore, public art improves local people's lives and the environment and restores the inherent temperament and style of a location in a creative way. Thus, Bazaar Compatible Program is not simply a work of art, but a generator of living growth.

All copyright belongs to Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai University.

Progress Agency