Looking at the West through Shanzhai: A Review of Architectural Imitation in Contemporary China

Looking at the West through Shanzhai: A Review of Architectural Imitation in Contemporary China

We are excited to launch the first session in our series of talks, "Rethinking Shanzhai 2023" and  happy to invite the journalist and photographer Pianren share his research about shanzhai architecture. Pianren Shan is a journalist and photographer, specialising in architectural photography. He is also a member of the "West as the Other" and one of the academic consultant of MSA

Redefining the West: Introducing Westernology as a Method for "The West as the Other"

This recording presents a talk by Dr. Cunzhou Jia for the third anniversary of MSA. Cunzhou Jia is an architect and curator, and also a Professor at Daguan University's Department of Art and Design. He is the director the of Programmes and Collections Department at MSA and the co-founder of the "West as the Other" Research Center.

Special Episode for Young Listeners: The Development of Shanzhai Culture

This special episode from MSA's Public Education Centre traces the development of Chinese Shanzhai culture for young listeners.  MSA, as a city-level science and education centre, offers weekly events and workshops for children and teenagers.

Imitation in Traditional Chinese Art

Welcome to the Museum of Shanzhai Architectures. In Wing A, Room 1, we're excited to take you on a journey exploring the origins of imitation and examine its nuanced role in traditional Chinese art. This room showcases comprehensive archives and collections: color print copies of famous traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy skillfully imitated from the classical pieces, along with photographs and 3D models with examples of imitation in traditional garden design. Interested in the tradition of imitation? Visit our museum for more information. We would love to know what you think. Leave a comment on our Instagram or website. Check out our new post on this topic!

Director's Message

This is a special message for our audience from the director of MSA, Shifei Jia. Dr Shifei Jia is a member of the China Artists Association and a national first-class painter. He currently serves as the director of the Shanzhai Architecture Museum, the co-founder of "The West as the Other" Research Center, vice-president of the Longquan Cultural and Educational Foundation, and director of the Shenzhen Shanzhai Culture Research Association. Dr Jia is also a researcher who has written widely on shanzhai culture and the "westness" in Chinese contemporary art. He is the author of The Chinese Dream or The American Dream？ (2014).