Xu Bing x V&A

PROJECT: TRAVELLING IN WONDERLAND

ROLE: Lighting Design

Internationally acclaimed artist Xu Bing was inspired by the classic Chinese fable ‘The Peach Blossom Spring’ to create a modern installation entitled ‘Travelling to the Wonderland.’ The installation was on display as part of the V&A’s Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-900 exhibition. Bing transformed the John Madejski garden into a fictional landscape. Satore was tasked with creating a continually evolving lighting pattern and audio design to support the piece.

‘Travelling to the Wonderland’ was a pastoral oasis built in miniature around the Madejski courtyard. It included a layered mountain scape assembled from stones collected from various Chinese regions, as well as an idealised village designed to offer a deliberate contrast to its urban setting.

Satore enhanced the installation by designing lighting and audio strategies which were bold, and yet evoked zen-like feelings within the audience. Bing likes to challenge viewers to question their sense of perception, and the studio had to bear this in mind in delivering the work.

Xu Bing’s ‘Travelling to the Wonderland’ installation was one of the highlights of Masterpieces of Chinese Painting, and was visited daily by thousands of people. The installation demonstrated Satore’s ability to deliver lifelike audio and lighting strategies which complement and enhance artists’ visions. The installation was described as “magical” by Time Out.