OPENFILE: Contemporary Illustration Art

The word illustration derives from the Latin word "illustratio", which means "illuminate" and "enlighten", referring to spiritual or intellectual enlightenment. The origin of illustration can be traced back to 15,000 BC when cave paintings at Lascaux, France, were created. From that to the narrative illustration in manuscripts of the Middle Ages, and then to its wide use in the commercial world in modern times, illustration has turned out to be one of the most effective and intuitive forms in today's visual culture. The openness and inclusiveness innate to it bridge the gap between illustrative art and contemporary art, amination and fashion. Moreover, illustration has broken through the boundaries of hand drawing and been widely presented in digital and other virtual forms. Such "openness" is often embedded in the file for creating and sharing illustrations.

"OPENFILE" refers to the source file which is the term frequently used in the illustration and design industry; it's a piece of drawing paper of the new age where any extension is generated from. An "openfile", on one hand, gathers the pieces of thought of creators and on the other hand has endless possibilities for extension. 

OPENFILE: Contemporary Illustration Art features 16 outstanding illustration artists from China and abroad, presenting a diverse, imaginative and immersive art celebration for illustration lovers. "OPENFILE" expects the audience to experience and discover the unique verve and infinite possibilities lying in illustrative art.

The exhibition will run through February 27, 2022.