1. The Water Calligraphy Device (水!法器) by Canadian artist Nicholas Hanna  consists of a modified tricycle that mimics the Chinese custom of writing calligraphy or temporary messages on the road with water. A computer strapped to the handlebars of the Water Calligraphy Device allows the rider to type the Chinese characters they wish to spell out. These characters are transmitted electronically to a set of valves which release water droplets in programmed patterns as the trike moves forward. Two large containers positioned at the back of the device store the water. The Water Calligraphy Device (水!法器) is inspired by the Chinese custom of writing calligraphy in public spaces with a water brush as a contemplative and poetic act. 

    Artist website: Nicholas Hanna 

    via Dezeen

  2. “Dishu Aerial View #2” from François Chastanet’s photographic and video documentary project entitled “Dishu: Ground Calligraphy in China.” This survey of contemporary calligraphic practices in Chinese public spaces in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenyang looks at the practice of ephemeral calligraphy on the ground using clear water as ink. Taking place in Chinese parks and streets, inscriptions slowly disappear as the water evaporates.
    View more of these videos on Vimeo

    Source: François Chastanet

  3. followesuit: Karlie Kloss and Xu Bing for Vogue September 2011 (in Calvin Klein)

    followesuit:

    Karlie Kloss and Xu Bing for Vogue September 2011 (in Calvin Klein)

  4. Song Dong- ’Facing the Wall’ (1999). Photograph and wallpaper. 80 cm x 120 cm

    Installation view at Pace Gallery

    via designboom

  5. peapods.diandian.com:

    最好生意莫过于年前这十来二十天，但他们仍坚持每天早晨就去开档。闲时和街坊谈天说地，用旧报纸练字。很努力地用他们的方式去维系着这片文化净土。尽管..大家都只是一群星斗小市民，可以做的东西并不多…

  6. Images taken by Taiwanese photographer Chang Tsai 張才(1916-1995) in Shanghai between 1942-46.

    Chang was a pioneer of photography in Taiwan. In 1934 his brother arranged for him to study photography in Japan and on his return to Taiwan in 1936, he opened the Ying Xin Photography Studio on Taiyuan Road in Taipei City. Between 1942 and 1946, Chang traveled to Shanghai three times in the 1940s and documented the urban street scenes of Shanghai during that era. After the Chinese Nationalist government moved to Taiwan following their defeat in the Chinese Civil War, he was unable to return to Shanghai, and instead  took part in field survey of Taiwan’s indigenous people with anthropologists, and took a celebrated series of photos of the aborigines and Lanyu Island. 

    Image 2: Condiment Shop (1943), Shanghai. Collection of Taipei Fine Arts Museum. 

    Image 3: Pawnbroker, Shanghai, 1942-1946

    Images via: Taipei Fine Arts Museum, pabloli 

  7. Caption: “Shanghai (China), man sitting against building with graffiti.” Photograph taken by Harrison Forman in 1937.

    Source: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries- 1, 2

  8. Matthieu Belin for Life 生活 Magazine: “Fashion story in Anhui Province in China.” Model: Ji Lili Sources: Matthieu Belin, Behance

    Matthieu Belin for Life 生活 Magazine: “Fashion story in Anhui Province in China.” Model: Ji Lili

    Sources: Matthieu Belin, Behance

  9. Hu Wugong “Children Playing on Ancient Wall” (1997). Ultragiclée. 30.4 x 45.6 cm Sources and more info: Creative Commons China, gg-art.com, 网大

    Hu Wugong “Children Playing on Ancient Wall” (1997). Ultragiclée. 30.4 x 45.6 cm

    Sources and more info: Creative Commons China, gg-art.com, 网大

  10. Photographer Matthieu Belin’s “Chengdu Summer Breeze” for LIFE 生活 Magazine. Model : Liao Source: Matthieu Belin

    Photographer Matthieu Belin’s “Chengdu Summer Breeze” for LIFE 生活 Magazine. Model : Liao

    Source: Matthieu Belin