Feature: Chilean architect creates illustrations featuring Chinese elderly

2021-03-16 08:05:50 GMT2021-03-16 16:05:50(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

SHANGHAI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sebastian Correa, a Chilean architect, started his day early as he visited a Shanghai park with his camera and sketchbook and waited for the arrival of the city's elderly, familiar visitors to the area.

He calls them "Ayi" and "Shushu," which translate to aunt and uncle, respectively. These are among the few Chinese words Correa has learned thanks to his unique project of documenting the lives of Chinese elderlies through sketches.

"In Chile, we don't have any specific way to address old people. We just call their names," he said. However, in China, Correa found, people his age use "Ayi and Shushu" to address the elderly.

Having lived in China for more than six years, Correa has turned his social observations into a series of illustrations, including "Urban-Siesta," "Squat Studies" and "Relationship." He considers the process of creating the series on Chinese elderly people one of his favorites.

"When I first came to China, I realized that old people were always on the streets and parks doing exercises," Correa said, noting that a range of physical exercises which were previously unknown to him had caught his gaze.

"My favorites are grandpas doing Taichi and people dancing around. Sometimes they even dance to South American music," Correa added. "Seeing these people dancing is really nice, because they are well dressed up, put on makeup, and have a super-strong attitude."

Most of Correa's illustration series bear English or Spanish titles. The "Ayi & Shushu" series, however, is an exception as the words are very local and titling it in English would make no sense.

The "Ayi & Shushu" series features simple sketches and bright colors depicting the elderly people in action. Some of Correa's creations include a gentleman dancing with a red Chinese fan, a lady in a purple coat playing the saxophone and an elderly couple waltzing together.

His social media profile identifies him as a "Laowai since 2014." "Laowai" is a Chinese word often used by Chinese people to refer to foreigners in the country. Though during his initial days in Shanghai Correa aspired to become a successful architect, his plan took a different turn for good.

The scale of projects he undertakes in China is much bigger than that in Chile. Correa's architectural projects are not just limited to residences. He has helped design multiple architectures ranging from libraries, shopping malls to many other large buildings.

The inspirations for Correa's illustrations have stemmed from his several park tours over the years since arriving in Shanghai. He inculcated the habit of frequenting parks to overcome his homesickness as it helped him reminisce about Chile, a country rich in natural resources.

"Parks in Shanghai are well-maintained. You have ponds, gardens, beautiful trees and singing birds," Correa said. "They are the oases in the city."

Shanghai's downtown area with skyscraper clusters harbors parks of different sizes, offering a leisure space for busy urbanites and perpetual inspirations for Correa.

"After six years, I can still discover new things and never stopped being surprised by new things in Shanghai," Correa said, adding that he will continue to expand the "Ayi & Shushu" series and possibly create more illustration series in the future. Enditem

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