Weaving the Present brings together the two vibrant art scenes of Shanghai and Vienna, initiating a transcontinental dialogue between young Chinese and Austrian artists. Together, they explore the intersection of craftsmanship and technology in the post-digital world, examining how digitization, globalization, and the subsequent rediscovery of traditional materials, techniques, and myths shape our understanding of cultural identity.

Tensions between tradition and innovation as well as the physical and the digital realm become visible. Rather than resolving these frictions, the works stretch, weave, and transform them into forms that reflect the hybrid living reality of today.

Weaving the Present is presented on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and China and the 20th anniversary of the KonfuziusInstitute at the University of Vienna. It also marks the first presentation of Wanbing Huang, Li Li Ren, Chen Ruofan, and Nan Zhang in Austria.