By: Shawn Mars
Feng Jiaming’s career as a curator has positioned him as a significant figure within China’s contemporary art scene. As the founder of Beijing Fengtang Sports Culture Media Co., Ltd., he has curated numerous exhibitions, blending art, design, and business innovation. In an insightful interview, Feng shares his approach to curating, his philosophy on art exhibitions, and his thoughts on the future of the art world.
Interviewer: Feng, you’ve become a respected curator with numerous exhibitions under your belt. Could you explain the foundation of your curatorial philosophy?
Feng Jiaming: For me, art is more than a visual experience—it’s a form of communication and a way to foster cultural dialogue. My background in both art and commercial design has given me a unique perspective on how to merge these worlds. I believe that exhibitions should be not only aesthetically engaging but also thought-provoking. Through my work, I aim to help viewers make connections with the art in ways that go beyond simply observing.
Interviewer: How does your experience in design and business shape your curatorial process?
Feng Jiaming: My experience in commercial brand design has shaped the way I approach space and the overall exhibition environment. When curating, I think about how to design spaces that complement the artwork, how to create a visual flow that guides the audience, and how to enhance the viewer’s experience. I aim to plan exhibitions that are not only visually compelling but also conceptually enriching, allowing people to engage with art in multiple ways.
Interviewer: You’ve curated several major exhibitions, including the New Year’s Eve Promise, Harmony, and Togetherness exhibition and the “Heavy Color Mahaana” exhibition in Jingdezhen. How do you approach such collaborations?
Feng Jiaming: Each collaboration is an opportunity to explore new artistic directions. For the New Year’s Eve Promise, Harmony, and Togetherness exhibition, for instance, it was about creating a space that allowed for the whole country’s local artists to connect, pushing boundaries while maintaining respect for individual artistic expressions. In Jingdezhen, the “Heavy Color Mahaana” exhibition was a chance to examine the intersection between tradition and innovation, particularly in the realm of ceramics. The key for me is to find a balance between honoring the roots of the art form and offering fresh perspectives that speak to contemporary audiences.
Interviewer: What can you tell us about your recent exhibitions, such as the “Various Ceramic Art Boutique” in Hohhot and the “Silk Road Porcelain Language” exhibition in Xi’an?
Feng Jiaming: These exhibitions are about fostering dialogue between different art forms and cultures. The “Various Ceramic Art Boutique” in Hohhot brought together a variety of ceramic artists, each contributing their unique take on the art. It was important to me to highlight the diversity within the medium. The “Silk Road Porcelain Language” exhibition in Xi’an was an exploration of how porcelain has historically connected China with the world. My intention was to bridge the ancient with the contemporary, showing how traditional crafts can inspire modern creativity.
Interviewer: You seem to approach every exhibition with a keen awareness of cultural context. How do you ensure that your exhibitions remain engaging for today’s audience?
Feng Jiaming: Relevance is crucial, and that comes from understanding the broader cultural and social context in which art exists. I consider not only the work itself but how it interacts with the current moment—whether through technology, global trends, or local movements. I incorporate elements from other fields, like fashion and modern design, to keep exhibitions fresh and relevant. By doing so, I aim to create an experience that resonates with contemporary viewers while still respecting the traditions of the art form.
Interviewer: With a successful career in curating, where do you see the future of art curation heading?
Feng Jiaming: The future of art curation is likely to be shaped by new technologies and evolving viewer expectations. With the rise of digital platforms, immersive technologies, and interactive experiences, I see a great deal of potential for art to be experienced in innovative ways. The future of art curation will likely involve integrating technology to create experiences that allow audiences to engage with art in more personal and immersive ways.
Interviewer: How do you envision incorporating new technologies into your exhibitions?
Feng Jiaming: As technology continues to change, I believe that the experience of art will become more interactive. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technologies present opportunities to create environments where the audience can engage more deeply with the artwork. Whether it’s through virtual tours, interactive installations, or other forms of digital integration, these technologies can open up new possibilities for how people experience art and create a more dynamic connection between the artwork and the viewer.
Interviewer: With your impactful work, how do you hope to be remembered as a curator?
Feng Jiaming: I would like to be remembered as someone who helped bridge different worlds—art, design, and business. My goal is to inspire others to think beyond traditional boundaries and explore new ways of curating and presenting art. I hope my work will serve as a reminder that art can be integrated into all aspects of life and business, creating richer, more dynamic experiences for everyone involved.
Feng Jiaming’s approach to art curation is a reflection of his belief that art should be a transformative experience, not just for the viewer but for the artist, the space, and the broader cultural context. His ability to combine artistic vision with business and design elements continues to shape his work and influence the evolving landscape of contemporary art. As technology and audience expectations evolve, Feng’s innovative approach to curation suggests that the art world is in for exciting changes in the years to come.
Published by Iris S.
