Futurescape (noun, plural futurescapes): A futuristic landscape, such as a city skyline.

 

Futurescapes are usually present in the format of video games, movies, and other nerd-friendly pop culture, manifesting itself in concepts such as futuristic cities, virtual worlds, and cybernetics - ideas that feel just a little too high-tech to be real.

 

However, many concepts & ideas that we would normally associate with a futurescape already exist today.

 

As Shanghai continues to develop science fiction-worthy environments, the 16th edition of MADNESS brings you four speakers who are able to draw creativity from them and rise above the noise.

 

 

Ever since he started his branding and design agency The Orangeblowfish six years ago, Siu Tang has been defining trends and lifestyle in the city of Shanghai, dedicating himself equally to art forms such as street art, illustration and sculpture and commercial work. Siu draws inspiration from everything around him – the fascinating collection of toys spread across his office, sci-fi movies and animations and, of course, his two beloved kids.

 

Born in China and currently working in the Netherlands, Ting Gong is an established designer and artist who specializes in making clothing that embodies phenomena, technology, and contemporary art. With more than sixteen exhibitions and shows to her name across China, Finland, and the Netherlands, Ting is now in Shanghai for an art residency at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.

 

With a focus on the synthesis of scenic effects, art and technical skills, Carlo has worked for 8 years in scenic set-design for cinema, TV and theatre, handling various mega shows and digital interactive projects. A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and the co-founder of Visual Elite, a content design and development company, Carlo is currently working in projects involving virtual reality.

 

Born and raised in L.A., Yung Han was heavily influenced by the early 2000s wave of hip-hop. He made his way to Taipei, where he began working with industry producers and landed multiple collaborations with famous C-pop singers, and participated in the Rap of China — the country's biggest rap competition - in 2017. He is currently based in Shanghai, raps fluently in Mandarin and English, and is actively taking part in the resurgence of Chinese hip-hop culture.