One of the many things the IFC takes pride in is in our students. Without our students, we wouldn’t have the IFC! We’ve decided this week to shine the spotlight on two of our new students, Zhao Xuanfei (Leelo) and Xu Zizhen (Allen).

Zhao ‘Leelo’ Xuanfai: Leelo grew up in Beijing but went to High School in Shenzhen, a city very close to Hong Kong. When asked what she hopes to achieve at the end of this year, she says “It is quite simple. I hope to go to the best university for me”. One of the schools she is eyeing keenly is the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She says what draws her in about that school is the ability to study subjects such as philosophy that would anchor the conceptual components of her work.

Here at the IFC she will focus on Fine Art, and hopes to complete some performance work. Some of her favorite artists are 222222; COLOR: white; BACKGROUND:>Marina Abramović, Louise Bourgeois and Julian Opie. This year she is looking forward to the space that the IFC provides for students to develop their own voice and new and exciting experiences. She has especially enjoyed the relaxed approach of the faculty and classes.

Xu ‘Allen’ Zizhen: Allen hails from the seaside city of Qingdao, and hopes to study interior design here at the IFC, and, in the future, in the UK. Previously having visited London and Manchester, he is attracted to the romantic atmosphere in England. This year at the IFC, he hopes to improve his English language skills and his foundational design understanding.

One of his favorite artists is the End-period Japanese artist 222222; COLOR: white; BACKGROUND:>Katsushika Hokusai, creator of the elegant, vibrant-blue ocean waves. Perhaps it is because his hometown sits on the sunny coast of the Yellow Sea.

In the past two weeks he has especially enjoyed working with his enthusiastic and talented new classmates, and trying out the Beijing restaurants!