Venice is famous for gondolas, canals, and historic art—but Chinese visual artist Zhang Yuan is adding a fresh twist with his project 'City Cutting.' Based in the floating city, Zhang transforms discarded luxury tailoring fabrics into stunning, map-like artworks that spotlight climate action.
Dubbed 'City Cutting,' the series sources leftover cloth from high-end mills like Loro Piana and Dormeuil. Instead of ending up in landfills, these textile remnants get a second life as dense, stitched surfaces that mimic urban landscapes 🗺️. Each piece invites viewers to explore the contours of cities through the lens of sustainable design.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. Supported by Alibaba Cloud Energy Expert, Zhang’s work has been scientifically measured to have a carbon footprint of 1.53 kgCO₂e per kilogram of fabric—an impressive reduction of 5.39 kgCO₂e/kg over its life cycle ♻️. By reusing high-quality materials, he proves that art can be both beautiful and eco-friendly.
With 'City Cutting,' Zhang Yuan weaves together craftsmanship, environmental science, and social commentary. His couture maps challenge us to rethink waste, luxury, and the role of artists in the fight against climate change. When fashion meets sustainability on a Venetian canvas, the result is a compelling call to action for our planet.
Reference(s):
UN80: Chinese artist in Venice maps climate action with fabrics
cgtn.com
