Need directions? Simplifying well-known cities into straight and curved lines, rectangles, circles, and crosses, these paintings by Lu Xinjian give new definition to maps. The abstract nature of the paintings was developed through a combination of Google Earth images and personal sketches. To those familiar with the cities depicted, the shapes and lines take on meaning and become recognizable despite their graphic appearance. Don’t be fooled by the flat pictorial qualities of the artwork. Upon further glance the simple patterns reveal the essence of a real place allowing the viewer a chance to understand the city in a new way, eliminating the decorative, flashy elements of architecture. Every gesture on the paintings alludes to the multidimensional characteristics of the city while finding a common balance to convey the growth of urbanization and the effects of globalization.
Courtesy of Lu Xinjian
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.