Initiated by Rainee Wang, an IMA recent graduate with a deep-rooted passion for ethnic minority cultures, the Digital QIANG Garden art residency embodies the synergy of creative ecology and the art-culture-nature movement. This innovative project emerged from the remote villages of Sichuan, where Rainee began an art education program during her high school years and has since been deeply involved in heritage preservation and tourism planning. The summer residency attracted a diverse group of artists from across disciplines and continents, fostering a collaborative environment that gave rise to a rich tapestry of works. Together, filmmakers, painters, sound artists, and architects from varied academic backgrounds in the US and China engaged with the vibrant QIANG culture, producing an exhibition that intertwines traditional ethos with contemporary artistry. The program, supported by the IMA faculty and community, in collaboration with the Mao County government and sponsored by Power China, showcases the potential of art as a powerful catalyst for cultural engagement and ecological harmony.
The Digital QIANG Garden artist collective, a vibrant assembly of recent graduates and students from the Interactive Media Arts programs (IMA) and Interactive Telecommunications Program(ITP) in Shanghai and New York, unites with creative minds from Rice University, Central Saint Martins, and the University of Southern California. This collective, enriched by specializations in architecture, sound design, painting, and more, brings diverse expertise to a singular vision. Their collaborative efforts have produced an array of works steeped in the traditions and narratives of the QIANG people. In their partnership, they delve into the concepts of nature worship and cultural heritage, expressed through media including installation art, book and graphic design, and evocative documentaries. Each piece stands as a dialogue between ancient customs and contemporary creativity, capturing the essence of the QIANG’s rich cultural tapestry.