Lacquer craftsman wins the opportunity to work and exhibit in Paris through a Sino-French cultural exchange program, Li Yingxue reports.

Yao Bangliang (third from right) poses with judges and guests after being selected for this year's Hand of Wisdom Sino-French craft exchange program. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Yao Bangliang found his interest in lacquer over a decade ago, during his undergraduate art education studies at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. It led to him choosing to focus on lacquerwork for his master's degree. Ever since, he has been exploring new ways of working with lacquer.

In Yao's mind, lacquer is one of the most natural media in terms of color and texture. From painting to large installations, the 38-year-old is always seeking new artistic possibilities through lacquer.

I am constantly looking for the expression of things and the possibility of forms, as well as the relationship between light and space.

Yao Bangliang, lacquerware artist

"I am constantly looking for the expression of things and the possibility of forms, as well as the relationship between light and space," Yao says.

His artistic exploration and innovation earned him the critical acclaim of judges from both China and France when he emerged as the winner of this year's Hand of Wisdom Sino-French craft exchange program, organized by Golden Phoenix and Yishu 8, from 25 shortlisted artists on April 15. The selection process involved the submission of each artist's portfolio of work and an interview.

Su Dan, art director of the program, thinks that Yao's works are very rich in conceptual depth. "I am delighted to see that he has moved beyond the two-dimensional application of lacquer materials and is now paying more attention to the relationship between his works, the viewer and the surrounding space," Su says.

Christine Cayol (left), founder of Yishu 8, and other judges view the works of the finalists of the third edition of the Hand of Wisdom Sino-French craft exchange program. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

In addition to receiving a prize of 20,000 yuan ($2,890), Yao has been granted a two-month residency at the renowned Paris International Art City, where he will have the opportunity to study and create new work.

During his residency, he will have the chance to showcase his creations at an open studio day at the Paris International Art City, or to exhibit his work in a salon at the Yishu 8 Paris space. After completing his residency, he will hold a solo exhibition at the Yishu 8 Art Center in Beijing.

Yao says he is looking forward to visiting France and finding new inspiration for his work.

Lei Geye, cofounder of Hand of Wisdom, says she hopes Yao will have the opportunity to engage in deep exchanges with his French counterparts. "On one hand, he can continue to delve into the traditional lacquer craftsmanship, and on the other, he can bring new artistic expression to the craft," Lei says.

A judge examines a lacquerwork item. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Laurent Boillot, CEO of Hennessy, sponsor of the program, extended an invitation to Yao to visit France and share his expertise, knowledge, and craftsmanship, and act as a bridge for cultural exchange between both countries. "We have a lot of imagination for his trip to France," he says.

After visiting China multiple times and learning extensively about Chinese culture and the history of cultural exchanges between France and China, Boillot observed similarities in craftsmanship between the two countries. He notes that both showcase precision in their work, as well as an appreciation for the beauty and artistry of their craft.

The Hand of Wisdom program was founded in 2019, and each year focuses on a specific field of traditional Chinese handicrafts and selects one young Chinese craftsperson to support.

The first two editions focused on the crafts of felt-making and metalworking. This year, the organizers chose the ancient craft of lacquerware, as China has a long history of using the material.

Examples of Yao's lacquerwork. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Christine Cayol, founder of Yishu 8, says the program aims to seek Chinese craftsmen who have a lot of creative potential. "If the craftsman goes to France, he will learn a lot about French culture and it will enrich him and help to foster his own style and creativity," she says.

Cayol thinks both Chinese and French craftsmanship showcases a high level of technique, but in China, the skills tend more to be traditional and functional and need to develop more creatively.

Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and France, and will be the year of Sino-French cultural tourism.

"Earlier this month, I met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited Yishu 8 in 2018, which was the former site of the China-France University. He expressed his support for Yishu 8 and encouraged us to continue promoting cultural and artistic connections between China and France," Cayol says.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn