Xianghan Wang’s exhibition, Partly Cloudy, takes place at the M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery in London. Featuring her immersive VR piece, The Rhythm of Tai Chi, the exhibit explores themes of identity and existence through a meteorological lens. Wang’s work successfully visualises Qi, bridging ancient practices with modern technology, making Tai Chi accessible and emotionally resonant. As a prominent figure in design, she influences the dialogue on immersive media, combining art and cultural heritage.
This April, the M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition called Partly Cloudy, showcasing the work of Xianghan Wang. Curated by Y Manifesto, this three-day event uses weather as a metaphor to delve into themes of identity and existential uncertainty. Visitors are invited to explore art that exists in those nuanced spaces between clarity and ambiguity, encouraging them to engage with materiality in a more profound way.
One standout installation in the exhibition is Wang’s VR piece, The Rhythm of Tai Chi. Recently winning a Red Dot Design Award, this work marries modern technology with cultural heritage, a unique approach from the Los Angeles-based designer currently with Apple. Xianghan has consistently enchanted audiences by blending digital art with ancestral wisdom, reshaping how storytelling can be experienced in the digital realm.
The Rhythm of Tai Chi sets itself apart by visualising Qi, the vital internal energy in Tai Chi philosophy, which is usually felt rather than seen. Wang brilliantly uses motion tracking and real-time animation to illustrate this concept, allowing users to literally see energy trails as they practice movements. This innovative visualisation transforms an abstract idea into an emotional sensation, making Tai Chi relatable—whether someone is a novice or quite experienced.
Xianghan notes, “It’s not just about showing Tai Chi—it’s about embodying it. We wanted people to feel the rhythm, the breath, the energy, even if they’ve never studied it before.” Her work aims for deeper emotional connections rather than mere spectacle, creating a harmonious box of experience that resonates with users and bridges digital and physical engagement.
With numerous accolades, including over fifteen international design awards, Xianghan has firmly entrenched herself within the nexus of art, innovation, and cultural heritage. Her exhibitions span across major cities like New York, Italy, and now, London, consistently blending technology with an emotional core that captivates audiences worldwide.
Beyond her own creations, Xianghan also contributes to the creative community as a juror and speaker. She has judged global design contests and shared her knowledge at institutions such as the School of Visual Arts and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Through these roles, she encourages a discourse about the future of immersive media, while highlighting how technology can nurture creativity and cultural preservation.
In this Partly Cloudy exhibition, Xianghan Wang paints a hopeful picture. As visitors leave the gallery, the tangibility of her work lingers on—memories of glowing shapes and profound insights dance in their minds. It’s a testament to how ancient wisdom can blend seamlessly with contemporary innovation, illuminating paths to the future even amidst uncertainty.
Xianghan Wang’s exhibition, Partly Cloudy, presents an engaging interplay between art and technology, revealing deeper cultural meanings through immersive experiences. Her standout work, The Rhythm of Tai Chi, effectively visualises the concept of Qi, inviting both novices and experts to connect more profoundly with Tai Chi. Wang not only champions innovation but also serves as a guiding voice in the creative landscape, fostering conversations around technology’s role in culture. The exhibition leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the harmony between past traditions and future possibilities.
Original Source: ourculturemag.com