Ultra Architecture – East Meets West

Iconic St Katharine Docks, Central London’s only Marina, will provide a stunning backdrop to an architectural installation by acclaimed Chinese artist Xiang Yang, in association with Today Art Museum Beijing and Chelsea College of Arts, University of Arts London.

In this first solo show, Yang will exhibit ‘ULTRA ARCHITECTURE’ – EAST meets WEST on a floating pontoon set in the heart of the picturesque dockside setting. A composition of antique Chinese furniture and wooden structures, the artwork is a stunning visual representation of the interaction between Chinese and Western philosophy, art and architecture.

‘ULTRA ARCHITECTURE’ has been transported by container ship from Tianjin, China and will be filmed as it is toured up the River Thames on Thursday, 15 October, with an honorary bridge lift at Tower Bridge before its installation in the West Basin at St Katharine Docks. The floating artwork will be on show from 16-28 October and will be visible to the public from the outside.

There will be two special ticketed occasions on Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October at 2-4 pm when the public can talk to the artist and explore the interior space of the installation.

William Bowman, Marina Director, St Katharine Docks, said: “We are delighted to host Xiang Yang’s first solo show in London. As business, travel, tourism and cultural exchange increases between London and Beijing, his work is a great symbol of ‘East meets West’. This important artistic event will add another exciting chapter to St Katharine Docks’ rich cultural history.”

First exhibited at Chinese Public Art in Kassel, 2012, ‘ULTRA ARCHITECTURE’ is inspired by a traditional Chinese wooden house. The work reflects Yang’s strong emotional attachment to his childhood “dreaming house”, a private space dedicated to art, reading and spending time with friends. The main body of the artwork is made from antique Chinese cabinets, closets and doors that are deconstructed and rebuilt to create an open space, where visitors can walk in and rest inside.

Two large silk thread installations extend out from opposite ends of the structure. One is a depiction of the famous painting, Early Spring by Guo Xi of the Song Dynasty; the other is an abstract composition of plans of Western cathedrals. To the artist, the artwork relays distinctive cultural messages and represents a time/space-travel machine.

‘ULTRA ARCHITECTURE’ comes to London at an exciting time in the cultural calendar. Its appearance coincides with both Frieze Art Fair and London Design Festival. Combined with a major exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts by the internationally famous Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, the UK public will have a great opportunity to see some of the true greats of contemporary art and design this autumn.