Mandarin of Our Dreams: A Chinese design show makes an impressive debut

摘要

I blame the Tibetan freedom protesters for getting in the way. For all the news coverage of the Olympic torch's less-than-smooth progress to Beijing, I'd failed to register its aesthetic appeal entirely. Fortunately, there's a replica currently on view at "China Design Now" - the V&A's timely survey of contemporary design from the world's most enigmatic (proto)superpower. The Lenovo-designed Olympic torch is a standout exhibit. Up close, the rust-colored, aluminum-magnesium alloy light marries a simple scrolled profile with a swirling anodized and etched surface, which, like so much in this show, feels devoid of cliche and nostalgia.