Now At: Home > Co-Curricular Activities > Student Showcase

A Collection of Literary and Artistic Activities of the SeniorHighDepartment of SSBS

01  

On the afternoon of December 4, 2025, a lecture themed on the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Shuǐzu Horsehair Embroidery was held at the Auditorium of Star School, hosted by Tang Xidai, President of the Heart-to-Heart Club.

The speakers, Chen Meicong and Tian Ziheng—President and Vice President of the Universe Art Club respectively—presented the fruits of their three-month in-depth research and collation. Combining on-site photos and videos, they elaborated on the historical origin, unique craftsmanship of wrapping horsehair with silk threads, and profound cultural connotations of Shuǐzu Horsehair Embroidery. With rich materials and authentic records, they guided the audience to immerse themselves in the centuries-old craftsmanship, and feel the family warmth and ethnic memory embodied in it. On the screen, the nimble fingers of embroideresses moved gracefully, and ancient patterns gradually took shape from the interweaving of silk and horsehair—vividly illustrating that this is not just a craft, but a carrier of emotions and memories.

At the end of the lecture, the two speakers issued an initiative to all teachers and students to jointly protect and promote intangible cultural heritage, which was met with warm applause. Reflecting on the experience, Tian Ziheng shared, “During our study in the villages, the embroideresses taught us their skills without reservation, hoping that this art form could be seen by more people. We want to do our part—even if it starts with a sincere lecture like this.”

The 40-minute lecture kept the audience quiet and focused throughout. The final round of applause was not only a recognition of the speakers, but also a distant echo to the craftsmen and ancient craftsmanship far away. Inheritance may start with such listening and sharing, with the younger generation willing to stop, notice, and light up those fading cultural treasures.

02

From December 1 to 5, students Wu Youran and Li Ruoxian jointly held a calligraphy exhibition at the Atrium of Star School, interpreting the younger generation’s understanding and inheritance of tradition through the language of traditional Chinese calligraphy.

The exhibition unfolded as a dialogue from two distinctive perspectives. Wu Youran took the evolution of Chinese characters' form and meaning as the thread, leading the audience on a journey across different calligraphy styles. From the elegant running regular script to the robust Han Dynasty clerical script, and then to the solemn Yan-style regular script, she infused each style with unique historical charm through masterpieces such as Yellow Crane Tower and Inscription of the Humble Room. Li Ruoxian, on the other hand, focused on the dialogue between styles, contrasting the delicate Slender Gold Script with the vigorous Tang Dynasty regular script and Northern Wei Tablet Script. Through works including Precious Tripod Appears series and the Liu-style Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup, she explored the aesthetic realm of balancing hardness and softness in calligraphy.  

During the exhibition, their styles complemented each other beautifully—the fluid running script of Wu Youran engaged in a vivid dialogue with the precise Slender Gold Script of Li Ruoxian. It not only showcased the diverse facets of calligraphy art, but also conveyed the youthful attitude of seeking innovation while inheriting traditions.

The five-day exhibition attracted many teachers and students to stop and appreciate. Between the flowing brushstrokes lie the precipitation of skills, the resonance of culture, and the gentle tribute of youth to tradition. We often talk about inheritance, and perhaps the best form of inheritance is just like this: young hands holding ancient brushes, writing their own understanding and warmth.

03

From December 8th to 12th, 2025, Tina Jin from Grade 11 Class 7 hosted a thematic exhibition titled The Wilted Self at the school atrium, tackling the hidden mental health issue of eating disorders. Blending printmaking art with psychological insights, the exhibition explored how eating disorders erode adolescents’ physical and mental well-being, calling for greater attention to young people’s holistic health.

At the exhibition, Tina provided a detailed overview of eating disorders—including Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa—emphasizing that these are serious mental health conditions requiring professional clinical intervention. She shared that she first encountered the topic in her AP Psychology class, and having personally grappled with the common adolescent anxiety over body image, she gained a deeper understanding of the psychological drivers behind unhealthy weight-control behaviors. To further her exploration, Tina delved into the link between adolescent perfectionism and eating disorders, as well as potential intervention strategies, hoping the exhibition would raise public awareness of this underdiscussed issue.  

Beyond the informative content, the exhibition featured a series of compelling printmaking works. The centerpieces were four prints with progressively darkening tones, visually depicting the gradual mental and physical “withering” of those affected by eating disorders. “Flowers symbolize a person’s physical and mental state, while the deepening layers of black represent the loss of nutrition and psychological damage caused by the illness,” Tina explained. These powerful pieces not only stunned viewers with their visual impact, but also prompted profound reflections on the relationship between health and self-perception.

The interactive zone emerged as the highlight of the exhibition. Visitors were invited to freely color in outlines of flowers, and over the course of a few days, students and teachers passing by joined forces to create what became known as “the most vibrant garden in the exhibition hall.” “Every colored flower is unique and beautiful—just like each one of us,” Tina stated. “We don’t need to be consumed by anxiety over weight or appearance; what truly matters is embracing a healthy and fulfilling life.” This thoughtful interactive design skillfully conveyed the philosophy of body positivity through artistic practice.

“Tina hopes this exhibition will not only raise awareness of the perils of unhealthy eating habits, but also remind everyone to cherish their well-being and never let themselves ‘wilt’ inside.”