Artistic Installation 'Tide and Stream' Captures the Essence of Guangzhou

Huifeng Lin's Award-Winning Design Reflects the Confluence of Cultures and Tides

The installation's design is based on Lin's observation of the Pearl River's tides. At high tide, the river water is cyan blue, representing the sea, while at low tide, it turns chartreuse, symbolizing the inland rivers. This natural phenomenon inspired Lin to create an installation that reflects the convergence of different cultures in Guangzhou, much like the meeting of tides and streams.

'Tide and Stream' is divided into two parts. The upper transparent section represents the 'tide', symbolizing the external influences that have shaped Guangzhou. This part of the installation is designed to appeal to the city's younger generation with its colorful and dazzling elements. The lower metal section, on the other hand, represents the 'stream', embodying the indigenous culture of the city. It features movable type plates displaying characters that encapsulate the Cantonese culture and the life attitude of the people of Guangzhou.

The installation was created using champagne gold stainless steel, transparent acrylic, and silkscreen stainless steel. The design team, which included Mi Kwan, Zihao Situ, Zhiyua Pan, and Qigang Feng, used digital design methods for 3D modeling. They also carried out structural and incident light calculations to ensure that the installation would be a building entity that could refract natural light.

Through 'Tide and Stream', Lin hopes to encourage visitors to reflect on Guangzhou's unique cultural heritage. The installation serves as a trigger point for audiences to think about the city's developmental history, its inclusiveness, and its role in global cultural exchange and integration.

Despite the technical challenges involved in its creation, 'Tide and Stream' stands as a testament to Lin's artistic vision and technical expertise. It is a fitting tribute to Guangzhou, a city where tides and streams, as well as cultures, converge.