about
about
Exhibition Curation:
Mad Rhapsody
exhibition curation / spatial narrative
Organization: Mad Architects
Role: Exhibition Curation and Spatial Narrative
Location: Nantong Art Museum, China
Time: 2021–2022
MAD Rhapsody reframed architectural work as a spatial and narrative inquiry, using exhibition design as a research method to translate architectural ideology, speculative futures, and cultural values into a public experience.
Curatorial Question
Rather than presenting architecture as a chronological portfolio, the exhibition asked how architectural ideas could be understood as cultural positions shaped by history, nature, technology, and public life. The curatorial challenge was to translate abstract architectural thinking into an experiential narrative without flattening its complexity.​
Curatorial Structure as Research
MAD Rhapsody was conceived as a six-part curatorial narrative that framed architectural work as a cultural and philosophical inquiry. Rather than a chronological retrospective, the exhibition organized projects into thematic chapters exploring classical aesthetics, future cities, nature, time, public life, and boundaries. Curation functioned as a research method, using spatial sequencing, atmosphere, and media to translate architectural ideas into public experience.
Chapter I: Naturalism
visual render
Chapter I: Naturalism, image courtesy of mad architects
Chapter II: Urban Interactions
visual render
Chapter II: Urban Interactions, image courtesy of mad architects
Chapter III: Naturescape
visual render
Chapter III: Naturescape, image courtesy of mad architects
Finale: Design
Finale: Design, image courtesy of mad architects
Installation
Implementation
The exhibition also features a re-creation of the “Tunnel of Light” installation, transforming the original 750m long Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel revitalization at the Echigo-Tsumari Triennale into a smaller 3m “tunnel” that showcases river reflections. I worked closely with a team of spatial designers, material manufacturers, light designers, engineers, and fabricators to bring this vision from idea to life.
Tunnel of Light, image courtesy of Nacasa & Partners Inc.
"Light Tunnel" Installation, image courtesy of mad architects
design sketches & render
assembly process
Reflection
I served as part of the curatorial and exhibition design team, with primary responsibility for spatial sequencing, narrative structure, and the translation of curatorial concepts into exhibition environments. My work bridged conceptual framing, spatial design, coordination with media and lighting teams, and on-site realization.
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This project shaped my interest in curation as a form of design research, where spatial, narrative, and sensory decisions function as tools for inquiry rather than representation. It reinforced my belief that exhibitions can operate as public research artifacts that invite interpretation rather than deliver conclusions.
