Forgoing traditional cloth canvases, a group of innovative Chinese artists painted their interpretations of eight different themes on contoured cola bottles. The themes are happiness, active optimism, human collaboration, peace on earth, individual perseverance, a healthy world, uplifting moments and global harmony.

The designers, include Xiao Xue, MeWe, Xin Jing, Jiang Hua, Joyn Viscom, Milkxhake, Chen Shaohua and Wang Xu.

For instance, celebrated artist Chen Jianhua created a bottle with the theme of active optimism. Chen says: "I've turned to popular text messaging to ask young Chinese people: what words say happiness to you? I then placed the words in the mouths of the laughing faces - a traditional happy Chinese symbol. Together, the combination shows the ideas of active optimism, both young and old."

The collaborative art project also included gathering sound samples from international musicians. The musicians composed short works centered on the eight themes.

For instance, a New York-based DJ named Jay-J composed music to represent happiness. He explains why he was excited to participate: "Music provides the forum for diverse individuals, regardless of background, upbringing or class, to come together and share their passion."

Dutch DJ Tiesto took on the theme of global harmony. As someone who participated in the Opening Ceremony for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Tiesto sees "global harmony" as part of his musical mission. "I integrate music from all over the world in my sets," he says: "harmony is what my music and life are built upon. "

(China Daily 08/30/2008 page6)