Latest news with #ChinaAcademyofArt
The Star
21-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Descendants of Lisbon Maru survivors, Chinese fishermen honor heroic WWII rescue
HANGZHOU, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Eighteen descendants of rescued British prisoners of war (POWs) during the Lisbon Maru incident joined descendants of Chinese fishermen at a commemorative ceremony Tuesday on an east China island, where local fishermen saved 384 British soldiers from drowning under Japanese gunfire in 1942. The gathering, the first to include foreign representatives since a memorial was erected last year, was held on Qingbang island, a small islet off China's Zhoushan Islands in the eastern Zhejiang Province, where a 1-tonne monument made of naval bronze commemorates the heroic rescue 83 years ago. "This memorial stands as a bridge -- between past and present, between China and the UK, between sorrow and solidarity," said Anthony Jones, grandson of survivor Thomas Theodore Jones and chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association. "We honor all, both the dead and the living, who kept their memory alive." In October 1942, the Lisbon Maru, a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to transport more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was torpedoed off the Zhoushan Islands by a U.S. submarine after failing to display mandated POW transport markings. As the vessel sank, fishermen of Dongji braved machine-gun fire to pluck drowning British POWs from the sea and managed to rescue 384 of them. "Our forefathers used to say 'to ignore those in peril would disgrace the sea' and their actions exemplified selflessness and boundless compassion," noted Wu Buwei, whose grandfather, Wu Qisheng, participated in the heroic rescue. "As their descendants, we take immense pride in their legacy." The 4.5-meter-long memorial, bearing the inscription "Love knows no boundary; Friendship transcends time" in both Chinese and English alongside a detailed account of the event, depicts interlocked arms emerging from turbulent waves -- a design inspired by rescuers' accounts of them hauling POWs from the water by their wrists. Qu Xiaoshi of the China Academy of Art, the memorial's designer, revealed that the design underwent over 40 revisions before a village elder's recollection of "life-or-death grips" crystallized the concept. "Though the Lisbon Maru sank, the bond it forged never will," Wu said before the flower-laden memorial, where photographs stood in silent rows. "As a descendant of the Dongji fishermen, we'll guard this truth like our ancestors guarded lives -- embracing peace and friendship as the ocean embraces all boats."
Associated Press
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Chinese artist Mona He made history at Burning Man 2024 as the first female Chinese honoraria recipient of the large-scale event, leading a team of over 70 artists, engineers, and creatives in bringing to life Mona Mushroom—an ambitious fusion of sculpture, technology, and performance that captivated 70,000 attendees with its scale and interactivity. Following this success, Mona He is already preparing for her next large-scale installation at Burning Man 2025: MONA DIE! DIE! DIE!. This project will explore themes of impermanence, transformation, and uncertainty through an interactive die-shaped installation that will be burnt during the Mona Funeral March, a ceremonial procession reflecting on life cycles and change. The Mona Mushroom. Photo by Mark Fromson. A Visionary Female Artist Reshaping Public Art Born in Sichuan, China, Mona He pursued her artistic training at the China Academy of Art, specializing in sculpture. As an artist and team leader, she has continually pushed boundaries in public art, merging mythology, science, and large-scale installations to create transformative experiences. Her leadership at Burning Man 2024 extended beyond her own artistic vision, fostering a collective effort that brought together experts from diverse disciplines to realize an unprecedented artistic feat. Building the Fungal Kingdom: A Communal Effort Following her Mona Bunny installation at Burning Man 2023, Mona He returned with Mona Mushroom, an 8-meter-tall, 3-ton stainless steel sculpture that appeared organic and soft despite its industrial material. By day, it stood as a striking landmark; by night, it became a whimsical, interactive experience. Inside the mushroom's stem, a mirrored chamber reflected LED visuals contributed by international artists, creating an immersive, otherworldly effect enhanced by swirling fog and laser-lit projections. The installation was woven into a rich mythology—an ancient fungal network awakening beneath the playa, surfacing to explore the world and inviting participants into its Wonderland-inspired journey. Mona Mushroom's laser show, designed by Chinese artist Li Quansheng, projected intricate patterns onto the sculpture's gills, synchronized with the album Music for a Mushroom, co-produced by Jason Adams and Janis Hesse. The spectacle expanded into the sky with a 1,001-drone performance, the largest in Burning Man history. The drones mimicked mycelial formations, surreal figures, and a deeply personal sequence depicting Mona He's childhood—walking home alone, feeling alienated, before being lifted into the sky by the Burning Man effigy. The 1,001-drone performance. Photo by Mark Fromson. Mona He's team orchestrated the Million Mushroom March, a theatrical pilgrimage enacting a battle between the Kingdom of Fungi and the Kingdom of Animalia. Leading the march were the Mushroom King, Mushroom Pope, and Mushroom General, followed by hundreds of participants in mushroom-themed costumes carrying luminous props and banners. The event featured talks at Center Camp by notable figures including Alex Grey, Allyson Grey, Rick Doblin, Pamela Kryskow and Chuchu Wang, covering topics such as mycology, psychedelic art, and therapy. The march culminated in DJ performances by The Human Experience, Allen Hulsey, and Pierre, followed by the spore-themed drone show. At the heart of this effort was Mona Camp, a 70-person collective of scientists, engineers, musicians, and artists who worked together to construct and maintain the installation. Key contributors included neuroscientist Janis Hesse (project lead), architect Drew Wilson (camp lead), beast-of-all-trades Liquid (build lead), mycologist Andy Tsai (operations lead), systems engineer Peiji Duan (electricity lead), and artists Ming Ke, Yaqin He and Bowei Wang (logistics leads). Beyond Burning Man: Mona He's Broader Impact on Art and Education Mona He's artistic influence extends beyond large-scale festival installations. As the founder of Mona Foundation, she has been an advocate for public art, youth art education, and community-driven creativity. Mona He believes in the power of art to drive social change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a series of interactive projects with young students, including a thematic series on self-portraits, pandemic reflections, human-animal coexistence, and interpersonal relationships. These projects later aligned closely with national entrance exam themes, reinforcing the relevance of artistic expression in contemporary discourse. Beyond education, she has spearheaded public art initiatives using art to revitalize rural communities, and youth art charity auctions, raising funds to support children's artistic development. Through her work, she continues to challenge traditional boundaries of art, education, and public engagement. The Mona Bunny. Photo by Mattias Löw. Looking Ahead: Mona Camp and Burning Man 2025 As a pioneer in large-scale public art and a dedicated educator, Mona He is committed to expanding access to art education and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Her approach integrates art, technology, and social activism, creating a holistic model of artistic engagement that resonates globally. From the sands of Black Rock City to classrooms and museums, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping minds and communities. Mona Camp is now recruiting artists, engineers, and volunteers for Burning Man 2025. Those interested in joining the creative process of MONA DIE! DIE! DIE! can become part of this growing artistic movement, contributing their skills to an evolving vision of public art and community engagement. To follow Mona He's journey and get involved, visit support at or connect with her on Instagram at @mona_miaohe. Media Contact Company Name: Mona Art Foundation Contact Person: Miao He Email: Send Email City: New York State: New York Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Globe and Mail
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Mona He Leads Groundbreaking Art Installation, Setting Stage for Burning Man 2025
Chinese artist Mona He made history at Burning Man 2024 as the first female Chinese honoraria recipient of the large-scale event, leading a team of over 70 artists, engineers, and creatives in bringing to life Mona Mushroom—an ambitious fusion of sculpture, technology, and performance that captivated 70,000 attendees with its scale and interactivity. Following this success, Mona He is already preparing for her next large-scale installation at Burning Man 2025: MONA DIE! DIE! DIE!. This project will explore themes of impermanence, transformation, and uncertainty through an interactive die-shaped installation that will be burnt during the Mona Funeral March, a ceremonial procession reflecting on life cycles and change. The Mona Mushroom. Photo by Mark Fromson. A Visionary Female Artist Reshaping Public Art Born in Sichuan, China, Mona He pursued her artistic training at the China Academy of Art, specializing in sculpture. As an artist and team leader, she has continually pushed boundaries in public art, merging mythology, science, and large-scale installations to create transformative experiences. Her leadership at Burning Man 2024 extended beyond her own artistic vision, fostering a collective effort that brought together experts from diverse disciplines to realize an unprecedented artistic feat. Building the Fungal Kingdom: A Communal Effort Following her Mona Bunny installation at Burning Man 2023, Mona He returned with Mona Mushroom, an 8-meter-tall, 3-ton stainless steel sculpture that appeared organic and soft despite its industrial material. By day, it stood as a striking landmark; by night, it became a whimsical, interactive experience. Inside the mushroom's stem, a mirrored chamber reflected LED visuals contributed by international artists, creating an immersive, otherworldly effect enhanced by swirling fog and laser-lit projections. The installation was woven into a rich mythology—an ancient fungal network awakening beneath the playa, surfacing to explore the world and inviting participants into its Wonderland-inspired journey. Mona Mushroom's laser show, designed by Chinese artist Li Quansheng, projected intricate patterns onto the sculpture's gills, synchronized with the album Music for a Mushroom, co-produced by Jason Adams and Janis Hesse. The spectacle expanded into the sky with a 1,001-drone performance, the largest in Burning Man history. The drones mimicked mycelial formations, surreal figures, and a deeply personal sequence depicting Mona He's childhood—walking home alone, feeling alienated, before being lifted into the sky by the Burning Man effigy. The 1,001-drone performance. Photo by Mark Fromson. Mona He's team orchestrated the Million Mushroom March, a theatrical pilgrimage enacting a battle between the Kingdom of Fungi and the Kingdom of Animalia. Leading the march were the Mushroom King, Mushroom Pope, and Mushroom General, followed by hundreds of participants in mushroom-themed costumes carrying luminous props and banners. The event featured talks at Center Camp by notable figures including Alex Grey, Allyson Grey, Rick Doblin, Pamela Kryskow and Chuchu Wang, covering topics such as mycology, psychedelic art, and therapy. The march culminated in DJ performances by The Human Experience, Allen Hulsey, and Pierre, followed by the spore-themed drone show. At the heart of this effort was Mona Camp, a 70-person collective of scientists, engineers, musicians, and artists who worked together to construct and maintain the installation. Key contributors included neuroscientist Janis Hesse (project lead), architect Drew Wilson (camp lead), beast-of-all-trades Liquid (build lead), mycologist Andy Tsai (operations lead), systems engineer Peiji Duan (electricity lead), and artists Ming Ke, Yaqin He and Bowei Wang (logistics leads). Beyond Burning Man: Mona He's Broader Impact on Art and Education Mona He's artistic influence extends beyond large-scale festival installations. As the founder of Mona Foundation, she has been an advocate for public art, youth art education, and community-driven creativity. Mona He believes in the power of art to drive social change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a series of interactive projects with young students, including a thematic series on self-portraits, pandemic reflections, human-animal coexistence, and interpersonal relationships. These projects later aligned closely with national entrance exam themes, reinforcing the relevance of artistic expression in contemporary discourse. Beyond education, she has spearheaded public art initiatives using art to revitalize rural communities, and youth art charity auctions, raising funds to support children's artistic development. Through her work, she continues to challenge traditional boundaries of art, education, and public engagement. The Mona Bunny. Photo by Mattias Löw. Looking Ahead: Mona Camp and Burning Man 2025 As a pioneer in large-scale public art and a dedicated educator, Mona He is committed to expanding access to art education and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Her approach integrates art, technology, and social activism, creating a holistic model of artistic engagement that resonates globally. From the sands of Black Rock City to classrooms and museums, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping minds and communities. Mona Camp is now recruiting artists, engineers, and volunteers for Burning Man 2025. Those interested in joining the creative process of MONA DIE! DIE! DIE! can become part of this growing artistic movement, contributing their skills to an evolving vision of public art and community engagement. To follow Mona He's journey and get involved, visit support at or connect with her on Instagram at @mona_miaohe. Media Contact Company Name: Mona Art Foundation Contact Person: Miao He Email: Send Email City: New York State: New York Country: United States Website:
