Author: Hanyao Song

Reflections on the second and third Intervention：Facilitating Dialogue through Iterative Co-Creation The second Intervention marked a pivotal turn in the research, moving beyond the limitations of the first intervention. By shifting from a one-to-one model to a small group setting (one sculptor with three villagers) and introducing paper clay—a more tactile and accessible medium—the dynamic…

In this intervention, I arranged a collaborative creation between Chen Jinwen and Yang Qingrong, two master’s students majoring in watercolor painting. With the theme of shared memories, they embarked on a free creation. The final work was named “A Sunset to Share”, depicting the sunset that can be seen both in Nan Ting Village and…

Report on GAFA Artists’ Perspectives on Nanting Village and Its Residents： The overarching finding is a pervasive sense of transactional coexistence marked by functional convenience and a significant social and cultural divide with the native villagers. For most artists, Nanting serves a purely practical purpose: an affordable, convenient, and well-located “nest” or “birdhouse” close to…

Tianxin Hu spent around five years frequenting Nanting but only lived there for one year post-graduation. Interactions were limited to commercial transactions with shop owners, with no deeper social engagement. She views Nanting primarily as a practical “habitat,” providing daily necessities and services. While acknowledging that living there might subconsciously influence her creative mood or…

Gaozhi Hong views Nanting through a pragmatic lens of transactional relationships. He sees interactions with local shopkeepers as primarily commercial, where familiarity is built on repeated consumption. He describes Nanting as a “satellite city” to GAFA’s “main city,” a zone where students fulfill desires or undertake activities not permitted on campus (smoking, drinking, parties). He…

Changning Zhang, a secondary landlord in Nanting for over a decade, came from a communications industry background. He observes a clear distinction between GAFA students and others: GAFA students personalize their rented spaces creatively, making them “look better,” while others leave them unchanged. He has seen many student artworks left behind but admits he usually…

Gao Ruiying, who has lived in Nanting for over a year, shared her rental life and a creative project in the interview. Since her sophomore year, she has rented houses, finding them always “temporary”: landlords prioritize renting over livability (e.g., odd triangular toilets, broken doors), while tenants “make do” instead of fixing issues, knowing they…

Chen Jinwen has lived in Nanting Village, Nanjing for about five to six years. He is fully accustomed to life there, familiar with local dining options and other amenities, and regards the village as a “home” that provides a sense of security and a stable living environment. With friends nearby and close proximity to his…