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Art

East Meets West in Prada’s Dual Exhibition: “Paraventi:屏” in Shanghai and Tokyo

November 4, 2023

Shanghai and Tokyo Celebrate the Evolution of the Folding Screen

In the bustling cultural hub of Shanghai, Prada's “Paraventi:屏” exhibition opened at Prada Rong Zhai, bringing together a dynamic mix of contemporary artists. Nicholas Cullinan, the esteemed curator, orchestrated the display that merged timeless elegance with modern narratives. The exhibition features daring works by artists like Cao Fei and John Stezaker, offering fresh takes on the traditional folding screen.

Exhibition views of “Paraventi: 屏” Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai Courtesy Prada 12 leaf imperial zitan wood screen 18th century Zitan wood, 173.2 x 470.2 x 2.7 cm Xiao Gu Shan Guan Collection, Beijing
12 leaf imperial zitan wood screen, 18th century. Part of Xiao Gu Shan Guan Collection, displayed at Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai. (Courtesy of Prada.)

At this confluence of innovation, Zhou Xiao Hu, Liu Jianhua, and Shi Yong led a silent dialogue of creativity, with their work showcasing the transformative power of art. The event's significance was further underscored by the attendance of prominent figures from the art world.

Exhibition views of “Paraventi: 屏” Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai Courtesy Prada Cao Fei Screen Autobiography (Shanghai) 2023 Multi-media installation (combination of videos, smartphones, green screens, self-timer lamps, furniture, photographic tripods, ect.) Variable dimensions Music: Zafka Acknowledgement - Video Production Participants: Er Gao (He Qiwo), Zhang Dianling, Liu Qingyu, Pan Xiong, Ai Kuo, Sa Na, Gao Qizhen, Chen Xin, Madelin Cheng, Shen Jinghao, Zhao Mengyao, He Peijia Courtesy of the Artist, Vitamin Creative Space and Sprüth Magers
"Screen Autobiography (Shanghai)" by Cao Fei, 2023. A multi-media installation at Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai (Music by Zafka. Courtesy of the Artist, Vitamin Creative Space, and Sprüth Magers).

The Shanghai Edition: An Immersive Reflection

The Shanghai installation offers a journey through the evolution of the folding screen, reinterpreted by today’s artists. Within the walls of Prada Rong Zhai, each screen tells a story, weaving together the past and the present.

Works by pictured artists John Stezaker, Nicholas Cullinan, and Cao Fei presented at “Paraventi:屏” exhibition, showcase a merger of history and contemporary commentary.

Tokyo's Artistic Dialogue: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

At Prada Aoyama Tokyo, Keiichi Tanaami redefines the folding screen, bridging the gap between Japan's theatrical history and modern artistry. His works create a rich tapestry of Japanese narrative art through time.

Exhibition view of “Paraventi: Keiichi Tanaami - パラヴェンティ : 田名網 敬一” Prada Aoyama Tokyo 3 November 2023 – 29 January 2024 Photo: Tomoyuki Kusunose Courtesy Prada Keiichi Tanaami Journey of Light (2023) Projection mapping on styrofoam, 17 x 290 x 120 cm Courtesy of NANZUKA, Tokyo
"Paraventi: Keiichi Tanaami - パラヴェンティ: 田名網 敬一" at Prada Aoyama Tokyo, showcasing Keiichi Tanaami’s vibrant interpretations (Photo: Tomoyuki Kusunose, Courtesy of Prada).

Reviving History Through Contemporary Artistry

The narrative within these screens resonates with the collective exhibitions around the globe, particularly at Fondazione Prada in Milan, transforming the screens into storytellers of cultural dialogues and exchanges.

Exhibition view of “Paraventi: Keiichi Tanaami - パラヴェンティ : 田名網 敬一” Prada Aoyama Tokyo 3 November 2023 – 29 January 2024 Photo: Tomoyuki Kusunose Courtesy Prada Keiichi Tanaami Red Shade 2021 Color Animated 16mm Film, 6 min 44 sec Courtesy of NANZUKA, Tokyo
"Red Shade" by Keiichi Tanaami, 2021. An animated film that revisits the traditional narratives through a modern lens (Courtesy of NANZUKA, Tokyo).

A Vision Shared Across Borders

The dual exhibitions, in Shanghai and Tokyo, weave together a universal artistic language that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, celebrating a shared ethos of innovation and cultural reflection.

Exhibition view of “Paraventi: Keiichi Tanaami - パラヴェンティ : 田名網 敬一” Prada Aoyama Tokyo 3 November 2023 – 29 January 2024 Photo: Tomoyuki Kusunose Courtesy Prada Terutada Shikibu Plum, Bamboo and Mynah Birds Late Muromachi period (16th century) Courtesy of London Gallery, Tokyo
"Plum, Bamboo and Mynah Birds" by Terutada Shikibu, Late Muromachi period, from the London Gallery, Tokyo, exhibited at Prada Aoyama Tokyo (Courtesy of Prada).

The Journey Beyond the Screen

Curated by Nicholas Cullinan, the “Paraventi:屏” exhibitions offer a modern tribute to the folding screen’s heritage, highlighting its evolving relevance in the contemporary technological landscape. This artistic endeavor not only revives a traditional form but also propels it into the future, inviting viewers to explore the unfolding stories within each panel. Discover more about this fusion of history and innovation by visiting Fondazione Prada's website.