The duo’s artist name intrigued me as I approached them at a bustling book fair in Shanghai. Amidst the endless sea of literature and merchanting advertising their best works to potential buyers, a man and woman sat back in their chairs. On their table were slides and literal collections of quality photography, abstract and realistic.
I’m no collector. As a high-schooler, I was always fatigued by textbooks and blocks of texts seemingly illustrating hardcore concepts. Their artwork stood out as something of a simpler generation, one that has distinct qualities attributed to each piece of work. I later added the curious woman’s contact and decided to talk and learn more.
Two weeks later, I was alone. I was in my dorm with torrential rain raging right outside. Ms. Shi, the young female artist, was one to greet me first. Soon following was the other young man, Mr. Feng. I asked about how they met.
“We’re companions. He gets me and I get him. We get along.”
It was your typical college love story.
“We are both art students in a Chinese college with very little to care about. No one really stopped us drawing to our heart’s content.”
I recognized their mutual love and prompted them to talk about their work. The format was what stood out at a glance. They pioneer their original format of a creative sketchbook, with polished art pieces of various formats collaging together to form a cohesive effect on the viewer. But they had little resemblance to the archetypal glorious inventor of our generation.
“We work two jobs. Sometimes more. I don’t think I’m justified to say I’m totally devoted to this craft. Paying the bills and filling my stomach is still primary. But I guess it's the framework and concept that pushes me. And sometimes, it pushes back.”
The title of URBAN RATS is an expression of those hiding underneath the nooks and crannies of every metropolis. Those with dignity, and those with dreams, are fused with practicalities in countless dreamy sketchbooks of collages.
