# Cat's Cradle Canvases The Chinese Portraiture of Zhu Yi Yong By Marissa Liu | Published 2009-12-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhu-yi-yong References: [a212](http://www.a212.com/2009/12/art-memories-by-zhu-yi-yong.html) & [galeriedumonde](http://www.galeriedumonde.com/artist/canvas/ZhuYiyong/page1/) Sichuan-born artist Zhu Yi Yong creates moving portraits of Chinese life. Choosing to focus more on the past than the present, Zhu Yi Yong presents a unique perspective of life within China from the perspective of an insider. His collection of portraits entitled 'Memories' show black and white [portraits of people manipulating red string](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yyyarn) into the shape of a star, a social commentary on China and an interesting play on a [child's game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-play-silk). **Implications** - Businesses that create products with which clients can develop a personal connection will likely generate high numbers of sales. Consumers will find products that offer a personal and sentimental value highly appealing and will likely invest their time and money. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Personal Connection Products:** Creating products that allow clients to develop a personal connection can lead to high sales. - **Sentimental Value:** Consumers are drawn to products that offer a personal and sentimental value. - **Nostalgic Artwork:** Artwork that focuses on the past rather than the present can provide a unique perspective and captivate viewers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can benefit from creating artwork that elicits a personal connection and sentimental value. - **Home Decor:** Manufacturers and retailers in the home decor industry can capitalize on the demand for products that hold sentimental value. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can explore incorporating nostalgic themes and storytelling that resonates with audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lunar New Year Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-campaign1.md) - [Pop Art-Style Blocked Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-in-red.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Illusion-Inspired Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripples-collection.md) - [Custom Pet Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-mom.md) - [Chinese Luxury Brand Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zouxin.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Raw Sports Emotion Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-exhibition.md)