One man's trash is another man's treasure, as the saying goes –– something that students from various art academies really took to heart with their sculptures made out of scrap metal which were exhibited at China Taiyuan International Youth Metal Sculpture Symposium, held in Taiyuan between July 20 and Aug 16.

The 42 students attending the symposium came from 10 art academies located in China and abroad.

Taiyuan, which was once a major center for industry, has transformed its industrial structure in recent years, resulting in a large volume of equipment lying idle or obsolete.

How to deal with the industrial waste has become a serious problem for the city’s development –– hence the idea of turning scrap metal into sculptures.

During the 28-day metal sculpture symposium, the students visited Shanxi Museum and Jinci Temple, learning about Shanxi culture and seeking inspiration for their creations.

With the help of two welders and laborers for each artist, the 42 students created 42 sculptures out of scrap metal in Taiyuan Chemical Industrial Park which had previously lain abandoned for years, giving industrial waste new value and showcasing the industrial development of the city.

Also, they exchanged ideas on the creative process and held discussions with experts from major art academies across China during the event.

Sponsored by Taiyuan government, Central Academy of Fine Arts and Sculpture Art Committee of China Artists Association, the national metal sculpture symposium has been held in Taiyuan Chemical Industrial Park, an old factory of Taiyuan Chemical Group, on six occasions since 2013.

A total of 17 works of art from these events are currently on display for the public in the city’s Changfeng Business District.

Next, Taiyuan Chemical Industrial Park will be developed into an industrial site to exhibit more sculptures made from scrap metal to the public.

A metal sculpture on display at the 2018 China Taiyuan International Youth Metal Sculpture Symposium in Taiyuan, held from July 20 to Aug 16. [Photo/sxrb.com]

A sculpture by Chen Xiaodong from the Central Academy of Fine Arts pictured at Taiyuan Chemical Industrial Park [Photo/sxrb.com]