As branches wave goodbye to their browning leaves, time is running out to see where the fallen foliage has been maintained on Shanghai streets, capturing the fleeting autumn beauty. Nevertheless, for those who went by Fuxing Xi Lu over the weekend, things turned out to be slightly bizarre.
The road was somehow taken over by a series of outlandish installations, including artificial red leaves, Mogao Cave knock off paintings and exotic dancer sculptures, which created a sharp contrast with Fuxing Xi Lu's traditional charm.
Image via Huaxiazi/WeChat
Image via Huaxiazi/WeChat
Image via Huaxiazi/WeChat
According to Shine, these decorations came from a social group called Feilin. Invited by the district government of Xuhui, the group intended to use insignificant materials like fallen leaves and wood to recreate the beauty of Belt and Road countries and raise civilians' awareness of environmental protection.
Image via Huaxiazi/WeChat
While the intention of the art installations may be praiseworthy, overall the event received negative reviews, with netizens complaining that the sculptures looked cheap and scary. "What an abomination! Most of them are ugly to look at." one netizen whined on The Paper. "How come they call these things art? Enraged to see the place where I grew up ruined like this." another netizen said on Weibo.
Image via The Paper
Belonging to the former French Concession, Fuxing Xi Lu is renowned for its scenic and historical charm. With plane trees planted on both sides, the boulevard features a significant number of French-style mansions and apartment buildings, some of which were even former residences of celebrities. It's common for civilians to take a nostalgia walk on the quiet and leafy road and enjoy the peace and beauty of the city.
Image via Baijiahao
The exhibition was slated to last till December. However, less than 30 hours after the show's debut, most of the installations have been removed by the organizer following the online controversy.
Image via Sina Shanghai/Weibo
[Cover image via Huaxiazi/WeChat]
