Yilin Wang · CLIENT: Communication University Zhejiang
Rock Language Fonts is a typeface based on the Helan Mountain petroglyphs. Study of the rock carvings revealed motifs that resemble modern letterforms. These shapes were refined and unified into a single typographic system. The typeface keeps the organic forms and irregularities of the original carvings while remaining legible. The size of the letters can be adjusted for each use. The design presents ancient rock art as a shared visual language and links early symbols with contemporary graphic design and modern media.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Through analyzing the Helan Mountain petroglyphs, we discovered many motifs resembling modern letterforms. Inspired by this, specific patterns were refined and adapted into a cohesive typographic system. The project reimagines rock art as a “universal language,” transcending cultural boundaries while preserving its historical integrity.
This typography combines legibility with storytelling, highlighting humanity's shared heritage. By emphasizing the organic forms and imperfections of rock art, the design retains its authenticity while integrating seamlessly into modern media, bridging ancient symbolism with contemporary design. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The size of the system will also change according to the change of the use scenario
- Tags
- Petroglyphs, Chinese Tradition, Typography, Integrated Design, Poster, Internationalism
- Production Technology
- Through the topography of a large number of petroglyphs, we find similar shapes to the letters, and through a series of fine-tuning the font, etc., we finally form a series of works.
- Design Challenge
- In the control of randomness of the letters, but also the need to unify the form of the font to avoid stylistic inconsistencies, but also the need to retain the original sense of petroglyphs
- Project Duration
- The project started in Hangzhou in September 2024 and was completed in Hangzhou in January 2024. It will be displayed in Helan Mountain rock painting International Art Festival in January 2024
- Operation Flow
- This project turns Helan Mountain petroglyphs into a modern type system, blending ancient art with today’s design. It keeps the rock art’s natural feel while making it readable and universal, showing our shared history.
- Research
- Research Type: image research of local elements Research purposes: to modernize the design of Helan Mountain rock paintings, make them adapt to the international aesthetic style, and give full play to the contemporary value of ancient culture. Data collection: Yinchuan Helan Mountain rock painting research journal, Helan Mountain rock painting Museum. Research tools: graphic record, Photoshop, illustrator.
- Inspiration
- From an exploration of petroglyphs, the designers found that the petroglyphs generated some ‘English’ between the graphics, which has a certain degree of serendipity, but this serendipity also exists objectively. The uncertainty of the style of the font symbolises the art of design with inclusiveness, diversity and individuality, which is exactly what the designer wants to explore!
- Image Credits
- Image #1 designer: Mengsheng Wang Ruilin Wang
Image #2 designer: Meitong Yu
Image #3 designer: Jie li
Image #4 designer: Shitong Yu
Image #5 designer: Jiarong Li
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