In Beijing’s Nanchizi Museum, a unique art exhibition bridges the gap between past and present. Chen Fenwan, a young female artist, has transformed peeling walls from Guangdong’s nearly abandoned Taipingxu area into a poignant paper-cutting installation titled A Wall. Part of the ongoing Dian Xi Yi Ben – Shadow Puppetry and Contemporary Art Exhibition, the work resurrects memories of a once-thriving Chinese community through delicate craftsmanship and historical storytelling.
'The buildings in Taipingxu are like time capsules,' Chen explained. Her project meticulously replicates cracks, stains, and weathering patterns from old structures – each mark named after former residents. Over 600 hand-cut paper fragments recreate these 'carvings of time,' offering viewers a tactile connection to vanishing cultural narratives.
The installation reflects growing interest in preserving regional histories through contemporary art across Asia. By translating architectural decay into intricate designs, Chen’s work invites global audiences to engage with China’s grassroots heritage while highlighting innovative approaches to cultural documentation in rapidly modernizing societies.
