Prada is preparing exhibitions in Shanghai and Tokyo. Curated by Nicholas Cullinan, the shows, dubbed “Paraventi:屏” in Shanghai and “Paraventi: Keiichi Tanaami – パラヴェンティ : 田名網 敬一” in Tokyo, are set to kick off on November 3, 2023.

Paraventi – Keiichi Tanaami – Courtesy of Nanzuka

But that’s not all. There’s a big gig in Milan too. From October 26, 2023, to February 22, 2024, Fondazione Prada is hosting “Paraventi: Folding Screens from the 17th to 21st Centuries.” This one dives deep into the histories and meanings of folding screens, revealing the fusion of East and West, art forms morphing into new dimensions, and the mingling of designers and artists.

Prada Rong Zhai – Paraventi屏 – Cao Fei

Folding screens are like liminal creatures, standing on the border of two worlds, and they don’t just span the cultural divide but break down barriers between different forms of expression. In short, they’re like the cool DJs mixing tracks from various genres.

Prada Rong Zhai – Paraventi屏 – Wu Tsang

Prada’s bringing it all together with exhibitions happening simultaneously in Shanghai and Tokyo. In Shanghai, you’ll find ancient Chinese folding screens from the 17th and 18th centuries, along with fresh creations by artists like Tony Cokes, John Stezaker, Shuang Li, Wu Tsang, and Cao Fei. It’s like a fusion of old-school classics and cutting-edge beats.

Keiichi Tanaami – Courtesy of Nanzuka

Tokyo’s got its own swag with Keiichi Tanaami, a pop art legend since the ’60s. He’s dropping a brand-new vibe created especially for Prada Aoyama. And if that’s not enough, they’ve got a six-panel folding screen, “Plum, Bamboo and Mynah Birds” by Terutada Shikibu, a 16th-century Japanese ink and wash painter. It’s a mashup of old and new, creating an art symphony that’ll have you grooving. So, if you’re in Shanghai, Tokyo, or Milan, it’s time to dive into the world of “Paraventi” and witness the cool fusion of screens and art.

Save the date!