China Takes Center Stage at Saint-Etienne Design Biennale

The Saint-Etienne International Design Biennale, running until April 22, 2019, has selected China as its guest of honor, showcasing the country's evolving design scene. Curated by Fan Zhe, the exhibition "Équi-libre" is structured into three sections—past, present, and future—tracing Chinese design from the Cultural Revolution through market reforms to contemporary challenges like overpopulation and pollution. Four UNESCO Creative Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan) present future visions. The biennale's overarching theme, "Me, you, nous," curated by Lisa White of WGSN, emphasizes inclusivity and social connections. Highlights include a section on products for people with reduced mobility and Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg's "Resurrecting the Sublime," which recreates the scent of an extinct plant. The event is organized by Cité du Design and runs across multiple city venues.