Duyi Han Shanghai villa exhibition featuring textile sculptures and acoustic art in an immersive space.

Duyi Han Transforms Shanghai Villa with Mesmerizing Textile Sculptures and Acoustic Art

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Written by John Oliver

2026-10-28

Immersive Rain-Inspired Installation Unveils a Unique Artistic Narrative at Duyi Han Shanghai Villa

Deep within the Villa tbh in Shanghai, designer and artist Duyi Han presents a captivating solo exhibition titled “It’s Raining Outside, It’s Raining Inside” at the remarkable location. This site-specific installation, crafted during an extended residency, transforms the villa’s interior into an evocative “Listening Garden.” Here, textile sculptures, intricately hand-embroidered pieces, and acoustic elements create a dynamic environment inspired by rainfall, cinema, and pop music.

To explore more transformations of historical spaces into creative hubs, visit OMA’s Music and Arts Academy in Houston, which skillfully combines past and present.

Artistic installation with ethereal fabrics and embroidered patterns by Duyi Han.
all images ©Duyi Han

Innovative Textiles and Sensory Design Elements at the Villa

At the heart of Han’s installation lies a custom carpet adorned with rain-ripple motifs, anchoring a collection of pleated, translucent organza sculptures in the space. Each room within the residence showcases unique interventions: a bespoke sheer garment elegantly displayed within a timber frame, embroidered sneakers positioned as static art pieces, resin water droplets artfully hung over a kitchen sink, and softly illuminated textiles in the bathroom area. Graphic snippets from song lyrics and film dialogues are deftly embroidered into the woven fabrics, weaving poignant narratives of sound and light into the villa’s very essence.

Solo exhibition setup titled 'it’s raining outside, it’s raining inside' at VILLA tbh.
it’s raining outside, it’s raining inside is a solo exhibition by designer Duyi Han at VILLA tbh in Shanghai
A 'Listening Garden' with custom embroidered textiles and sound elements.
the project conceives a ‘Listening Garden’ realized through custom textiles, embroidery, and sound

Exploring Materiality and Spatial Transformation

Han’s exploration of textile art and narrative materiality redefines the villa’s spaces, inviting visitors to experience the interplay of sensory elements and historic architecture in the exhibit. Through this compelling installation, Han challenges traditional perceptions and illustrates the transformative power of art within domestic environments. Each piece within the “Listening Garden” prompts a deeper reflection on how textures and narratives influence our understanding of space at the residence.

Textiles inspired by rain, cinema, and pop music visuals.
rain motifs, cinematic references, and pop music lyrics inform the material and graphic language
Organza shoes embroidered with 'nothing is forgiven' from Blood Orange.
a pair of shoes and socks made in organza embroidered with Blood Orange lyrics ‘nothing is forgiven’
Circular patterned carpet with rain-ripple designs in the main room.
at the center of the main room, a custom floor carpet features concentric circular rain-ripple prints
Translucent organza textile sculptures on a patterned carpet.
sculptural textile forms constructed from translucent organza rest on the patterned carpet surface
Sculpture adorned with 'practically drowning in my blessings' by Ariana Grande.
a sculpture embroidered with Ariana Grande lyrics ‘practically drowning in my blessings’
Embroidered art pieces with film dialogue and song lyrics.
embroidered typography throughout the works incorporates phrases from film dialogues and song lyrics
Vitrine display of a translucent garment titled from Guitarricadelafuente lyrics.
a transparent garment hangs in a vitrine, titled after Guitarricadelafuente lyrics
Vitrine quote 'Ese Viento Fatal Me Ha Transformado en Otro Chaval' embroidery.
‘Ese Viento Fatal Me Ha Transformado en Otro Chaval’ (That Fatal Wind Has Turned Me into Another Kid)
Furniture and sculptural objects blending form and function.
domestic furniture items are paired alongside soft sculptural objects to blur functional boundaries
Bathroom installation inspired by Billie Eilish lyrics.
an installation in a bathroom titled after Billie Eilish lyrics ‘I’ll run a shower for you like you want’
3D printed resin water droplets in sink, with Tame Impala lyrics.
water droplets made of 3D printed resin installed in a kitchen sink, with Tame Impala lyrics ‘how was I to know’
Backlit textile artwork in a residential setting.
translucent, softly backlit textiles line surfaces within the residential setting
Standing translucent textile form in a minimalistic room.
Duyi Han Shanghai villa exhibition featuring textile sculptures and acoustic art in an immersive space.

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the title of Duyi Han’s exhibition at the Shanghai villa?

The title of Duyi Han’s exhibition at the Shanghai villa is ‘It’s Raining Outside, It’s Raining Inside.’

How does the installation transform the villa’s interior?

The installation transforms the villa’s interior into an evocative ‘Listening Garden’ with textile sculptures, hand-embroidered pieces, and acoustic elements inspired by rainfall, cinema, and pop music.

What are the features of the custom elements in the installation?

The installation features a custom carpet with rain-ripple motifs, pleated organza sculptures, a bespoke sheer garment within a timber frame, embroidered sneakers, resin water droplets, and illuminated textiles.

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