When the Future Meets the Past explores the nature of time as its theme, and opens up the creation and imagination of the future by drawing inspiration from history and tradition. The artists first travelled to Guizhou to carry out field observation of representative intangible cultural heritage such as local folklore festivals, traditional songs and dances, handicrafts and natural ecology. Then they return to the city to present site-specific art co-creation projects in three distinctive Shanghai art and cultural spaces: Sinan Mansion, World Expo Museum, and the Tianhou Palace, Shanghai Suhewan MIXC World.

I. Chasing Shadow

WANG Ziyue x OY

Time：10/16 – 10/22

Place：Sinan Time Zone Gallery, Sinan Theater

"Chasing Shadow" presented by artist Ziyue and OY, begins with an ancient ritual dance learnt in Guizhou, and through the mobilisation of literature, video, dance, games and music, leads the viewer to re-invent festivals and re-discover the daily routine, awakening a revival and renewal of the self. Starting from the dimensions of time, space and human beings, the two artists with different creative backgrounds deeply stimulate each other's creative language, exploring and reshaping the possibilities of people's own spiritual construction in their daily urban life by asking questions.

WANG Ziyue X OY

WANG Ziyue is a Chinese artist who utilizes multiple mediums such as multi-channel video, installations, and theatrical performances to create thought-provoking works that examine contemporary social issues and realities. Her compelling pieces have been exhibited at renowned events including the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, as well as the 10th Shanghai Biennale. In 2018, WANG embarked on her long-term theatrical project titled "The Theatre of Questions," which explores various societal concerns through engaging performances. Additionally, she is the founder of the Capsule Mall theatre troupe.

Formed by singer/musician Joy Frempong and producer/musician Melodydreamer, the band has played over 300 shows in more than 20 countries. Their musical themes have always been inextricably linked to transcultural experiences, stretching the boundaries of music into uncharted territories amplified by visual narratives.

II. Her Presence Speaks Lightness Into This Dusty Kingdom

HU Wei X Géraldine Chollet

Time：11/04 – 11/18

Place：World Expo Museum

Artists HU Wei and Géraldine Chollet present the co-created project "Her Presence Speaks Lightness Into This Dusty Kingdom". Starting from the intertextuality of narrative and media, the art scene recalls the sense of strangeness and unknown experienced by the two artists during their journey to Guizhou, while reflecting on the multiple relationships between people, objects, nature and spirituality. Through the creation of customised scenic installations and performances, the audience's senses are fully engaged, presenting a public space for meditation, reflection and exchange.

HU Wei X Géraldine Chollet

HU Wei is a Chinese artist who employs various media such as film, installations, print images, performances, and paintings in his creative practice. Recently, his artistic endeavours have traversed different geographical and linguistic contexts, delving into silenced histories and materials. Through his explorations, he investigates the agency of individuals, non-human entities, and materials within the realms of both historical and natural transformations. By combining dynamic imagery and poetic aesthetics, HU Wei unveils the invisible labour, emotions, and value judgments and their unstable relationships within diverse political and economic environments.

Géraldine Chollet, a Swiss choreographer and performing artist, trained at the London Laban Centre. After returning to Switzerland, she collaborated with different choreographers and performed as a dancer and comedian. In 2014, she embarked on her own choreographic work, creating dance pieces like "ITMAR" and "OUVERTURE."

III. In No Time

CHEN Wei X Rio Wolta

Time：11/14 – 11/19

Place: The Tianhou Palace, Shanghai Suhewan MIXC World

"In No Time" is a collaboration between artists CHEN Wei and Rio Wolta. Taking the temporal nature of sound and music as the point of origin, the two artists converge and condense different geographical spaces and a single linear time in the Tianhou Palace, which has a long history, guiding the viewer to perceive the present moment of artistic fusion at the threshold between the past and the future. The project not only brings the natural and humanistic treasures of Guizhou into Shanghai through artistic creation, but also injects fresh and vivid artistic vigour into the ancient Tianhou Palace.

CHEN Wei × Rio Wolta

CHEN Wei is a Chinese artist who initially explored the realms of sound art creation and performance before transitioning to the mediums of film and installation. His artistic practice often manifests in the form of carefully orchestrated stage sets and reconstructed scenes captured through the lens of photography. In recent years, he has continuously expanded his artistic repertoire by merging set design with multimedia installations, further extending his work into immersive and site-specific experiences.

Rio Wolta, a Swiss artist, pursued studies in history at Humboldt University in Berlin and Zurich University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. In 2015, he embarked on his artistic journey as an independent artist, captivated by the interplay between various art forms, transforming his identity from a composer and singer to a visual artist seamlessly blending imagery and sound.