Core Viewpoint - The first "Ugly Things" art exhibition by Taobao has transitioned from an online competition to a physical event, emphasizing the idea that "ugliness" can drive creativity and is not merely the opposite of beauty [1][9] Group 1: Event Overview - The exhibition, held in Hangzhou, attracted over 3,000 visitors daily within its first week [1] - The event features a roundtable forum with notable guests discussing the appreciation and discourse surrounding "ugly things" [1][10] Group 2: Exhibition Structure - The exhibition consists of a prelude and three main chapters, with the prelude detailing the history and significance of the "Ugly Things" project [3] - The first chapter showcases over 150 wool felt works and seven "ugly" outfits in a trial fitting area [3] - The second chapter includes a selection of unconventional artworks from art history and last year's winning product, the "borderless pillow," which embodies the fluidity of the concept of "ugliness" [5] Group 3: Cultural and Commercial Implications - The project has evolved through three stages: initial popularity among youth, exploration of the commercial value of "ugly things," and recognition of "ugly things" as a commercial IP that empowers merchants [9] - The trend of "ugly things" reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards unique and expressive products, moving away from traditional notions of beauty and functionality [10][12] - The rise of "ugly things" as a cultural phenomenon is seen as a response to the desire for authenticity and individuality among consumers, particularly the younger generation [12]

Group 1 - The concept of beauty and ugliness has blurred, with "ugly treasures" gaining popularity among young people as a form of social currency and emotional relief [1] - The Taobao Ugly Things Contest, launched in 2020, has attracted millions of participants and has become a cultural phenomenon, culminating in the 2025 Retail Asia Awards for innovative marketing in China [1] - The first offline exhibition of the Taobao Ugly Things Contest will take place in Hangzhou, showcasing over 100 selected items from the contest, emphasizing the creativity behind these unconventional designs [1][3] Group 2 - The exhibition theme "The Time of Ugliness Has Arrived" aims to encourage visitors to embrace unconventional aesthetics, featuring three main sections and a special unit that reviews the contest's history and impact [3] - The exhibition is free to attend, with high public interest exceeding expectations, indicating a strong cultural shift towards accepting and celebrating "ugly" designs [3][5] - Interactive areas within the exhibition allow visitors to engage with past contest entries, further promoting the idea of "ugly" as a new style and social media trend [7] Group 3 - The collaboration with the China Academy of Art for the exhibition highlights the academic interest in the changing public aesthetics and the role of "ugly" items as disruptors in mainstream culture [9] - The exhibition serves as a platform for discussing the notion that ugliness can stimulate empathy and creativity, challenging traditional aesthetic values [9]