Art by: Arida [Photo provided to China Daily]
On January 19, a beautiful sound like dripping water echoed through the exhibition hall of the Central Academy of Culture and Administration in Beijing. The sound was that of a metal drum, a type of percussion instrument, being played by Li Yunke.
The instrument originated in America, but Lee has improved the drum.
“It is coated with Chinese lacquer to reduce vibration,” Li says, “and the instrument is tuned to the Chinese pentatonic scale.”
Li’s drumming show was part of an exhibition in a program supporting creative talent and entrepreneurship in the cultural industries.
The exhibition, which features 354 works by 131 Chinese designers, will run until January 30.
The annual event, organised by the Central Academy of Cultural Administration, aims to help Chinese designers promote their work.
According to Li, who was selected for the 2017 program, the program supports designers by explaining new government policies, teaching them financial issues and acting as a bridge between designers and companies.
Ye Youtian, an associate professor at Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts, was one of the first designers selected for the program in 2014.
The graphic designer then travelled to Guizhou province to work with local artists and also received separate work opportunities from two local companies.
“The programme provided me a great platform to communicate with other artists which inspired me to try something new. That’s why I started making animation,” said Ye, who previously designed cartoon characters.
Art by: Arida [Photo provided to China Daily]
Art by: Arida [Photo provided to China Daily]
Li Yunke (right) plays the steel tambu drum. [Photo provided to China Daily]
