Presented at NextStreet Gallery in Paris during Huang Yulong's solo exhibition DRILL ON, Theodosia – Respect marks the Chinese artist's first collaboration with Lladró Art Editions, bringing together urban iconography, hip-hop culture and the art of handcrafted porcelain.
On October 23, 2026, NextStreet Gallery unveiled Theodosia – Respect, a porcelain sculpture created by Huang Yulong in collaboration with Lladró Art Editions, the Spanish brand's platform dedicated to limited-edition series by contemporary artists.
Presented during DRILL ON, Huang Yulong's solo exhibition at the gallery from October 23 to 30, the work introduces a new dimension to the artist's sculptural practice, combining his distinctive urban aesthetic with Lladró's expertise in handcrafted porcelain.
Known for his ability to fuse Eastern culture with urban iconography and global hip-hop, Huang Yulong explores human connections, mutual care and understanding through the aesthetic language of the street.
Theodosia – Respect: A Tribute to Human Connection
The piece takes its title from one of the most moving songs in the American musical Hamilton, whose sense of affection and hope resonates with the scene Huang Yulong seeks to immortalise.
The artist found inspiration during a street art event, observing a silent gesture of guidance and complicity between an adult and a child amid the energy of the event. That moment of protection and sincere affection gave rise to Theodosia – Respect, conceived as a tribute to the bonds of affection and respect within creative communities.
As the artist himself notes regarding the concept behind the work:
“Love is about honoring each person's soul, boundaries, and unique journey.”
Urban Culture Translated into the Language of Porcelain
Huang Yulong, known internationally for reinterpreting his country's traditions through elements such as hoodies and hip-hop aesthetics, brings this world to life in porcelain alongside the artisans at Lladró.
The sculpture depicts two figures dressed in athletic wear and sneakers in a fluid, intimate pose. The main figure, standing approximately 60 centimetres tall, leans toward the child in a gesture of listening and support.
Crafted from white glazed porcelain, Theodosia – Respect is a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces worldwide. The work stands out for the sharp definition of the folds in the garments and the incorporation of faces decorated with silver lustre, a detail that lends a contemporary touch to the composition.
Each piece is handcrafted at Lladró's workshops in Valencia, Spain, where the porcelain is fired at temperatures exceeding 1,300°C, a process that transforms the material and can reduce its size by up to 15%.
Through its Art Editions platform, Lladró has previously collaborated with contemporary artists including Javier Calleja, Leandro Erlich and Edgar Plans. Theodosia – Respect marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with Huang Yulong.
Theodosia – Respect at DRILL ON, NextStreet Gallery
The unveiling of Theodosia – Respect coincided with the opening of DRILL ON, Huang Yulong's solo exhibition at NextStreet Gallery, located on Place des Vosges in Paris.
Held from October 23 to 30, 2026, during Art Basel Paris, the exhibition brought together different aspects of the artist's practice, including bronze sculptures and porcelain works that reflect his ongoing dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary urban culture.
Within this context, Theodosia – Respect offered visitors another perspective on Huang Yulong's artistic language. Its intimate composition and emphasis on human connection introduced a quieter, more personal dimension to the hooded figures that have become central to his work.