KennaXu Gallery: A Modern Art Space in Shenzhen

Integrating Art and Life in a Contemporary Setting

The inspiration behind the design of the KennaXu Gallery stems from the desire to create a modern, simplistic spatial tone that showcases the authenticity of the exhibited paintings. The gallery is dominated by a white hue, which serves as an inclusive backdrop, allowing the colors, composition, aesthetics, and thinking of the artworks to take center stage. The incorporation of a sense of "emptiness" creates a free and serene ambiance, fostering a harmonious interaction between light and shadow, nature and artworks, and ultimately achieving the beauty of art.

What sets the KennaXu Gallery apart is its integration with the surrounding residential community. The design team recognized the potential of the gallery as a public space and sought to blend the strong living atmosphere and beautiful natural landscape with art aesthetics and learning. This unique approach allows art to become an integral part of daily life, enriching the experiences of both residents and visitors.

The realization of the KennaXu Gallery involved the use of various materials, including latex paint, membrane, wooden flooring, ultra-clear glass, white tile, and white stainless steel. The project spans a total area of 223 square meters, providing ample space for artists to showcase their work and for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art.

The design of the KennaXu Gallery also incorporates unique windows that serve as openings for conveying messages. These windows not only bring in natural light but also capture the daily sounds of the community, such as the chatter of residents, footsteps, and birdsong. This integration with the old community creates a sense of growth and belonging, making the gallery an integral part of the neighborhood.

The KennaXu Gallery project began in November 2018 and was completed in September 2019. It is located at the intersection of Yitian Road and Fuqiang Road in the Futian District of Shenzhen, China. The building, originally constructed in the 1990s, holds deep sentimental value for gallery owner Kenna Xu, who spent his childhood there. This personal connection, combined with his vision of establishing a contemporary art gallery that embraces the local community while aiming for global recognition, drove the realization of this exceptional space.

The design of the KennaXu Gallery presented several challenges, particularly in transforming the former residence into an art space. The original space consisted of two narrow and dim floors, with the first floor resembling a storeroom and the second floor featuring an old-styled, disordered, and fragmented spatial pattern. Overcoming these unfavorable conditions required creative thinking and innovative design solutions to create a space that truly embodies the essence of an art gallery.

The KennaXu Gallery, with its seamless integration of art and life, has garnered recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the gallery's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.

Photo by: Kevin, Benmo Studio