MAD architects' artistic practice plays with light with two new installations

this summer, MAD architects founder ma yansong presents two new art installations, demonstrating the diversity of the studio’s direction. one installation is dubbed ‘light’ and is presented as part of the ‘art at fuliang 2021,’ art festival in jingdezhen. the second work marks the exhibition design for ‘forma fantasia,’ artist liu wei’s installation within ‘nine-tiered pagoda — spatial and visual magic,’ a cross-disciplinary collaboration between nine groups of artists, architects, and graphic designers. ‘forma fantasia’ will be on view at vector architects’ newly completed pingshan art museum in shenzhen through october.

‘light’ | image by tian fangfang

with its two newly completed installations, MAD architects expresses its robust and visionary artistic practice. alongside his future-focused, technologically advanced body of architectural work, founder ma yansong’s artwork follows his creative philosophy of shanshui city, which focuses on humanity’s spiritual sanctuary in the natural world. MAD architects’ art ranges from site-specific commissions, permanent installations, and immersive environments. ‘light’ for the ‘art at FULIANG 2021 festival’ and the exhibition design for ‘nine-tiered pagoda — spatial and visual magic’ express the diversity of the studio’s work.

‘light’ | image by tian fangfang

MAD architects founder ma yansong presents ‘light’ as a new, ongoing installation commissioned for ‘art at FULIANG 2021.’ the festival aims to highlight the character and spirit of fuliang county’s hanxi village. the region’s porcelain industry, abundant water, and vast tea fields have shaped its landscape. light appears to float above the rolling tea fields, hovering above the landscape. the installation becomes a medium for connecting to nature as it responds to the surrounding light and darkness, appearing to float like a cloud, become translucent, glow like a beacon, or join forms with the passing fog.

‘light’ | image by tian fangfang

for the MAD architects-designed forma fantasia exhibition, ma yansong unites artist liu wei’s scattered abstract shapes within a black, shadowless room. this condition is absent of defining characteristics other than bright lights that amplify the space’s ambiguity. the dazzling lights heighten emotions and sensations, solidifying MAD’s anti-material approach that prioritizes spatial feeling over structural expression.

‘light’ | image by tian fangfang