The Phantom Dimensions exhibition, held from December 11th to 18th, 2024, took place at the Black Brick Project Gallery, 17 N Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Among the featured highlights are two exquisite and symbolically rich jewelry pieces by Chinese designer X, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. This gathering of artists and designers brings together diverse perspectives to encourage dialogue and explore cross-cultural connections.

X’s featured works—a necklace and a fish-shaped timepiece—go beyond craftsmanship and design; they serve as artistic vessels for cultural storytelling. The necklace features a rigid metallic frame intertwined with lustrous pearls, offering a striking visual contrast. At its center is a Sleeping Beauty turquoise, chosen for its distinctive hue and fine quality.

The fish-shaped watch, on the other hand, embodies a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western design aesthetics. The ruby represents fire, while the sapphire symbolizes the ocean—elements that complement each other within the fluid contours of the fish silhouette. At the center, an opal dial refracts light into a kaleidoscope of colors, breathing life into the timepiece. This interplay of contrast and balance not only showcases X’s mastery of jewelry design but also reflects her ongoing pursuit of harmony between Eastern and Western cultures.

For X, jewelry is more than mere decoration—it is a universal language of cultural exchange. Her time spent living and working between China and the U.S. has deepened her awareness of Western audiences’ admiration for traditional Chinese craftsmanship. However, she noticed that this admiration often remains surface-level, overlooking the rich cultural narratives and historical legacies embedded in these crafts. X incorporates traditional Chinese elements into her work, blending them with modern influences to create designs that resonate across cultures.

This cross-cultural approach has brought X’s creations significant attention in Western markets and challenged preconceptions about contemporary Chinese design. In her view, Western design emphasizes individual expression and creative freedom, while Eastern design prioritizes craftsmanship and heritage. X endeavors to find a balance between these two philosophies, blending traditional artisanal precision with the openness of modern design to create her unique artistic language.

Beyond her creations, X hopes her work will spark broader social conversations. She is deeply engaged with themes of feminism and societal expectations across cultural boundaries, weaving these reflections into her designs. For X, artistic creation is not just an expression of emotion—it is a force for change, amplifying unheard or overlooked voices.

At the Phantom Dimensions exhibition, X’s works bring together elements inspired by both Eastern and Western traditions. Through her intricate designs, she highlights aspects of Chinese culture, presenting them in a contemporary light. These pieces encourage viewers to engage with the details and craftsmanship, offering a thoughtful exploration of cultural artistry in a modern setting.

Looking ahead, X envisions continuing her artistic exploration of cross-cultural themes, drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and contemporary influences. She hopes to collaborate with emerging designers, providing opportunities for them to showcase their work and engage with a broader audience. Her creations combine elements of jewelry and art, offering a platform for sharing stories that reflect cultural connections and mutual appreciation.