China Town

As Caper represents a diverse group of artists with an oriental aesthetic, let's take a look at how they interpret Chinatown from an international perspective.

"The moon is often a symbol of sentiment in China. It hangs in the sky, distant yet captivating, and upon close inspection, it sparks a thousand fantasies. Could there be a city hidden up there, among its ethereal glow?"

- Zhongniao

Illustration by Zhongniao

"As I imagine these delicious foods, I find solace in the midst of the third week of COVID lockdown here in Shanghai. Perhaps it will last another three weeks, or maybe more, as the uncertainty lingers."

- Jo Zixuan

Illustration by Jo Zixuan

"I recently took a trip to Huangshan, a small city known for its breathtaking beauty and livability. This painting was inspired by the enchanting sights of Huangshan in spring, including its lush tea plantations, vibrant rape flowers, picturesque banks of the Xin'an River, and distinctive Huizhou-style architecture."

- Laomo

Illustration by Laomo

"The lion dance is a captivating folk art that holds deep significance in Chinese culture. Traditionally, lion dances are often portrayed in red hues. However, for this particular project, I decided to infuse a fresh twist by creating a set of lion dances in vibrant green, which harmonizes with the color scheme of Caper Illustration's logo. This unique combination aims to offer a fresh and visually stimulating experience, while still honoring the essence of this cherished cultural tradition."

- Yusa Cui

Illustration by Yusa Cui

"This painting captures a charming corner of the park just outside a bustling supermarket in Chinatown, during the festive celebration of Chinese New Year. One of my most cherished memories of Chinatown is the confetti left behind after the lively lion dance performance, which inspired me to recreate this scene on canvas. The vibrant colors and joyful atmosphere of this moment are preserved in this artwork, serving as a precious memento of the cultural richness and vibrancy of Chinatown during this auspicious time of year."

- Jiawen Chen

Illustration by Jiawen Chen

"This artwork was born during a challenging time when Shanghai was under lockdown due to the growing epidemic, and anxiety permeated the city. Despite the uncertainty and fear, the green color of the Caper logo, reminiscent of the freshness of spring, represents hope and resilience. Through this artwork, I wanted to convey a message of optimism and the spirit of moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Just like the arrival of spring after a long winter, may we all find renewed hope and vitality as we navigate through difficult times."

- Amao

"I may not be well-versed in Chinese style, but living in a southern Chinese city has exposed me to the customs of the zodiac. In this artwork depicting China Town, I incorporated various animal characters, inspired by the Chinese zodiac. It was intriguing to observe how people deduce their age based on their zodiac sign.

The Chinese zodiac is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has been passed down through generations. It is believed that each animal sign represents certain personality traits and characteristics. As I observed the customs associated with the zodiac in China Town, it left me amazed at the rich symbolism and significance attributed to these animal representations. Through my artwork, I wanted to capture the charm and mystique of the Chinese zodiac, as well as the cultural intricacies that make it a unique part of Chinese heritage."

- Zaoyu Lin

Illustration by Zaoyu Lin

“The captivating tale of the White Snake from Chinese mythology has been a profound source of inspiration for me. The story of two mesmerizing beauties who take on human form as incarnations of snakes has left an indelible mark on my imagination.”

-Laoyu

Illustration by Laoyu

“I beheld a dragon of insatiable hunger, voraciously consuming its own tail in an endless cycle of gluttony. It gorged itself without restraint, its head swelling with each indulgence, while its tail dwindled into insignificance. The sight of this self-devouring beast left me mesmerized, a metaphorical representation of the unquenchable appetite that engulfs and diminishes itself in a never-ending pursuit of insatiable desires.”

- Momo Shou

Illustration by Momo Shou