Dingyuan is a tinkerer who infuses mass-produced objects with personal touches. With a background in graphic design and advertising film direction, he once worked in firms promoting unnecessary commodities but now uses design to challenge consumerism, stimulate user creativity, and redefine our relationship with objects. His work revolves around repairing, reimagining, and questioning designed objects, encouraging a shift from passive consumption to mindful interaction. Rejecting industrial design’s role in mass production, he creates thought-provoking pieces that cultivate empathy for both objects and living beings, inspiring a more conscious and responsible engagement with the material world.
ANTLER CHAIR, Plywood, 17*24.19*25 in
This chair features a purely wooden mechanical structure. By slotting the seat into different height notches, whose pattern that is inspired by deer's antler, the chair can be adjusted from 14 inches to 20 inches. This allows users to maintain a level line of sight with their computer while sitting at various desk heights and modeling all day in the SAIC studio.
ARTIFISH, Ceramic, Aluminum rod, Plywood, Acrylic paint， 32*9.5*17.65 in
This interactive sculpture exposes the often-overlooked cruelty of fish farming, bringing the harsh realities of high-density aquaculture into public view. Viewers engage with the sculpture by moving a rod above the wooden frame, making the ceramic fish "swim." This interaction invites them to confront the message of human control over aquatic life. Ceramics as the medium of the fish mirroring the fragility and uncertainty of life. More significantly, in the process of making these fish, I witnessed their transformation—emerging whole from molds, only to be deformed, scarred, and infested under my hands. This act became a personal journey of self-education and reflection on humanity’s role in shaping the suffering of other living beings.
SUNKEN ISLAND, Ground seashells and Ceramic, 71*71*27 in/unit
Due to coral bleaching, reef fish populations are declining as they lose their natural habitats. Artificial reefs have emerged as a potential solution. Sunken Island - a set of modular artificial reef tiles, 3D printed with ceramics mixed with ground seashells. When assembled, these structures not only provide shelter for reef fish but also feature a rough surface that enhances coral attachment. Additionally, when deployed in coastal areas, they help absorb wave impact and reduce shoreline erosion.
TEASTUDIO, Wood, Steel, Ceramics, 13*5.6*5.6 in
Inspired by egg cartons, this tea set brings traditional Chaozhou tea culture into the fast-paced studio environment. The tea tray can be clamped onto the edge of tables of varying thicknesses, keeping it off the cluttered workspace. The teacups must be placed on the tray to remain upright, preventing spills on the desk. *Teastudio* offers a moment of relaxation and conversation for busy studio workers.