A place where young people can shine

Among the items sold are prints of spoken poems by the children. Inspired by the spontaneous storytelling of his fifth-grade daughter, Tang realized that children possess a natural ability for oral expression from as early as kindergarten. Unlike adults who follow logic, grammar, and precise vocabulary, children's descriptions often mirror the attributes of modern poetry, says Tang.

He takes time to record their daily musings and expressions, and has amassed a collection of more than 100 poems, 79 of which have been published, with 10 even being translated into English. Tang cuts woodblocks and prints the poems himself. He also uses them to make postcards.

Zhou Yan, curator and a PhD candidate in the field of interdisciplinary studies of cultural heritage, museum studies, contemporary art, and cross-cultural studies, at the University of Toronto, has been responsible for translating the children's poems.

She says that they are a beautiful reflection of the children's natural and unfiltered creativity. "It provides a window into their innermost feelings, preferences, and thoughts, allowing them to express a wide range of emotions, including sadness and dissatisfaction. Whether they're grappling with family issues or navigating the challenges of school, children's poetry serves as an authentic outlet for processing their experiences," she explains.

With words and language that are naturally appropriate, the poetry captures their natural voices, and through their intuitive understanding, these young poets often incorporate elements such as repetition, imagery, and rhythm, infusing their work with a lyrical quality, according to Zhou.

She has her teenage daughter and niece review her translations, in terms of the grammar, word choice, and overall tone to ensure that they are natural and align with the authentic voice of a child.

As an art practice researcher, Zhou notes that the starting point of Kindergarten Without Walls is humble and down-to-earth. "Tang is an ordinary person whose neighborhood where the 'kindergarten' is located is not different from his own life," she says.

Zhou believes healing from personal trauma is not a solitary journey; rather, it is a collective effort that requires the support and involvement of a compassionate community. "The best part of Tang's project lies in the authentic, organic growth of the relationships between the children, families, neighbors, and the broader community," she says. "It is the spontaneous, beautiful things in people and the community that grow naturally given an opportunity, out of human need and concern," she says.

"The kindergarten is small in size, but like a plant, its roots are firmly embedded in the soil," she adds.

Contact the writer at chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn