On May 10, the 12th event of the “HiQianhai” series — Art & Bay Walk — was held at K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea in Shenzhen. More than 20 international guests from various countries gathered to appreciate the unique charm of Qianhai, where art and nature intertwine.
At the start of the event, K11 staff led participants on an tour to explore the architectural aesthetics and design concepts of K11 ECOAST. Leveraging Qianhai’s distinctive coastal natural resources and expansive open public spaces, the project seamlessly integrates coastal ecology, art, and commerce.
The name K11 ECOAST was inspired by a commitment to green development and the cherished coastal environment. The project breaks away from traditional models by integrating international culture and art with commercial development.
K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea is K11’s first flagship project on the Chinese mainland. This commercial complex, with an investment exceeding 10 billion yuan (US$1.38 billion), has a total construction area of 228,500 square meters. It includes the cultural retail landmark K11 ECOAST, the multifunctional cultural space K11 HACC (Hybrid Art and Cultural Center), the next-generation office space K11 ATELIER, and a seaside promenade.
The group then visited two exhibitions at K11 HACC — the “DOKU The Flow” solo exhibition by Lu Yang and “Felt Art Imaginarium” by Lucy Sparrow. The guides provided vivid, detailed, and engaging explanations while revealing the stories behind the unique artwork in both exhibitions.
“DOKU The Flow,” exhibited on the mainland for the first time, is hailed as a pioneering work in digital art. In this exhibition, the boundaries between reality and virtual reality are completely blurred. Immersive light and shadow interactions make visitors feel as if they are traveling through time and space, engaging in an intimate dialogue with the future.
In the South China debut of “Felt Art Imaginarium,” artist Lucy Sparrow, known as the “Queen of Felt,” uses her boundless imagination to recreate 50 classic masterpieces from global art history using soft felt. The exhibition is playful and engaging, making high art accessible and relatable. Whether professional art enthusiasts or general visitors, everyone can find something that resonates with them.
As the first multi-purpose space to present K11’s diverse art and cultural offerings, K11 HACC aims to introduce world-class international artworks and exhibitions to the community, making art and culture a lifestyle and creating a cultural oasis for contemporary urban residents.
K11 HACC is committed to fostering Chinese contemporary art and creative culture with a global perspective through international exhibitions, performances, public education, and other cultural programs.
During the exchange session, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Several guests shared diverse perspectives on the integration of art and commerce, as well as art and everyday life, sparking passionate discussions.
Matthieu Le Noen, a French art educator at Huitong School & Studios, commented that K11 ECOAST is more of a cultural experience than just a shopping experience. “More and more art is coming to Qianhai and Shekou. Residents now have more options to appreciate art in their daily lives.”
Diana Tian, a Russian student at Shenzhen University, said, “The exhibitions at K11 HACC are really great, as they bring people closer to art. I also like the design of K11 ECOAST, which has many green plants inside. They are naturally blended into the shopping mall and feel like magical trees.”
The “HiQianhai” series is hosted by the Qianhai International Cooperation Center and organized by EyeShenzhen. This edition aims to promote international cultural exchange and artistic innovation through diverse artistic and cultural experiences, injecting fresh vitality into Qianhai’s development as a globally influential cultural hub.
So far, the series has held 12 sessions, attracting over 700 international participants. In the future, the series will continue to connect diverse world cultures through various content and themes, contributing to Qianhai’s role as an important window for international exchange.