Setting Sail in the Cracks of Time
Text by Lin Zhu
When the Ship of Theseus, as recounted by Plutarch, continued to sail bravely through the waves for a hundred years while having its planks replaced one by one, humanity’s philosophical inquiry into “existence and continuity” has never ceased. By juxtaposing “cloth” (bu) and “boat” (chuan) in naming this new art space, we intend to rewrite the contemporary answer to this ancient question on the very land of Qingdao—a place steeped in the dual heritage of the ocean and textiles.
“Cloth” is a material carrier interwoven with warp and weft, bearing the industrial memory of the city’s century‑old textile industry and the warmth of aesthetic living. “Boat” is a vessel that sails toward the unknown, embodying the spirit of exploration and a restless state of life. Together, “Buchuan” carries a simple yet resilient power—using the softest fabric to weave the sturdiest vessel of dreams, and setting sail toward the future through the cracks of time.
Time is never a smooth, straight line; it is a continuum made up of countless cracks. It is precisely in these cracks—where the known meets the unknown—that infinite possibilities are born: new ideas, new aesthetics, and new ways of living. And “setting sail” is precisely our expectation and discovery of the younger generation’s creation of new lifestyles—those who are not content with predetermined tracks, who dare to find their own course in the cracks of time, and who define the future on their own terms.
For this inaugural exhibition, we have invited three young artists—Yu Hai, Zhang Xiaofang, and Xu Dezhen—born in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s respectively. They are voyagers who set sail in different cracks of time.
As a post‑80s artist, Yu Hai grew up amid the intense collision between tradition and modernity. Carrying a retrospective gaze on history and a quest for identity, he seeks breakthroughs within inheritance. Thus, in his works, we see that he no longer participates in grand narratives as the 60s and 70s generations did. Instead, he focuses on self‑examination and the ontological study of matter (materials), thereby affirming the existence of the individual and discovering his relationship with the material world and environment.
Zhang Xiaofang, a post‑90s artist, is a digital native well versed in the ways of modern communication and clear about the creative methodology that “art is life.” Her creation employs the distinctive iconic symbol “fafa” as a spear, forcefully intervening in the discursive battles of both the real and the virtual worlds. Constructing self‑expression amidst the interweaving of globalization and localization, her works are deeply personal yet resonate with the shared interests of her generation, full of keen observations on contemporary life.
Xu Dezhen, a post‑00s artist, grew up in the digital age, freely navigating the boundaries between the virtual and the real. The abundance of image resources allows him to effortlessly enter creation through visual symbolism, manifesting as an observation of the outside world. Fortunately, he is shrewd enough to selectively appropriate only the symbolic representatives of Eastern humanistic spirit—“Taihu stones”—as the vehicle for his creative practice. Through continuous exploration, he gradually embarks on a path of self‑cultivation that shifts from “external observation” to “internal reflection,” thus establishing an intellectual independence that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Although their styles and conceptual dimensions differ greatly, together they form the most vivid cross‑section of contemporary Chinese art. Here, there is no hierarchy of generations, only sincere dialogue between different life experiences; there is no standard answer for art, only unique individual responses to the times. Through their works, they tell us that art is not purely a “metaphysical” spiritual product, but also an extension of life itself.
As a response to the spirit of Qingdao as a city, we hope that Buchuan Art Space is not merely a venue for displaying artworks, but also a platform that connects past and future, artists and the public, and art and life. Here, you can temporarily set aside the hustle of daily life, engage in viewing or creating art, and feel its warmth and power.
The true revelation of the Ship of Theseus is not about which ship is the “real” one, but that it reveals an eternal truth: the essence of things lies not in their static material composition, but in their dynamic existence and continuous creation. Every replaced plank once contributed to the ship’s voyage; every new plank injects new vitality into the ship. It is the accumulation and succession of countless individuals that constitute the continuity of history and the richness of the era.
“Setting Sail” is only the beginning. On the occasion of this opening, we extend an invitation to all young art enthusiasts who love life: Buchuan Art Space is launching its residency program starting today. As long as you have a dream in art, you are welcome to submit your proposals, implement and realize your creative ideas at Buchuan, and connect, exchange, and present your artistic visions with like‑minded peers.
Buchuan Art Space looks forward to joining hands with you to build a never‑stopping vessel of art.
Lin Zhu
Director of Dechang Aart Cultural Institution and V Exit Art Museum
Co‑founder and Chief Curator of Qingdao International Art Annual Exhibition
