Bronze Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2020
Listening to Transparency Exhibition of Sound Art
by Xulei Li
- A' Design Award 2020 Bronze Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 25,857
- Verification code 82F418A440 · Verify this award
About Listening to Transparency Exhibition of Sound Art
Listening to Transparency is the visual identity for an exhibition of sound art that presented 44 audio and visual works. The design is based on circular waves that represent sound sources. The waves vary in angle, curvature and colour. The titles are silk-screen printed on transparent PVC in a graduated dot grid, while the waves are printed on cotton paper with Risograph technology. The two layers combine into one image, and turning the printed page reveals the waves. The transparent look reflects the materials used in the artworks and the fleeting nature of sound.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- In terms of production and design extension, the font and circular sound waves elements were separated, The font is silk-screen printed on transparent PVC material in gradual changing dot grid and the sound waves are printed on paper. The two layers will combine into one complete visual. By doing so, audience are led to pay attention to the title and the theme of the exhibition. When they turn the page of the text, the sound waves will be revealed, attracting them into world of sound world.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 210mmX145mm
- Tags
- Image design, Invitation, book design, poster design, tickets design, layout
- Production Technology
- This work uses two special color printing in all application design inside. the type are silk-screen printed on transparent PVC material in gradual changing dot grid, the sound waves elements are printed in cotton paper by using Risograph technology.
- Design Challenge
- The visual design has to be in tune with the artworks and entire exhibition, and at the same time be consistent with the tone of the museum.
- Project Duration
- The project started in May 2017 in Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum and finished in September 2017
- Operation Flow
- It is contains extra digital contents, you can via an app to scan the poster/ key visuals to link an promotional flim of the exhibition.
- Research
- The exhibition "Listening to Transparency" was consisted of 44 audio and visual art works. With a focus on spatialization design, most of these installation art pieces adapt many kinds of transparent and lighting materials to present audience the visualized transparency.. The visual design is based on circular waves representing sound sources. The waves are of various angles and curvatures. The visual have a transparent look, representing the transparent material used by the art pieces, as well as the transient and untouchable sound.
- Inspiration
- The visual design of the exhibition is based on circular waves representing sound sources. The waves are of various angles, curvatures, and colors. The visual have a transparent look, representing the transparent material used by the art pieces, as well as the transient and untouchable sound. The font in traditional font Song, carrying an aura of China. The overall colors matched the colors of France’s National Flag, symbolizing the cultural communication between China and France.
Colors of Listening to Transparency Exhibition of Sound Art
Design Interview about Listening to Transparency Exhibition of Sound Art
The idea of the design is based on circular waves representing sound sources. The waves are of various angles and curvatures. They take on a transparent look, representing the transparent material used by the art pieces, as well as the transient and untouchable sound. In terms of the type style, the title of the exhibition, in both Chinese and English, is inserted throughout the circular sound waves. The Chinese text is in traditional font Song, carrying an aura of China. The text is in gradual change of blue, emphasizing the transparent and mysterious vibe of the exhibition. The overall colors of the poster are orange and blue, matching the main colors of France’s National Flag, symbolizing the cultural communication between China and France.
Regarding the print technology, I separate the textual elements and circular “sound waves” elements. The text is silk-screen printed on transparent PVC material in gradual changing dot grid. The circular “sound waves” are printed on paper. The two layers will combine into one complete key visual. By doing so, audience are led to pay attention to the title and the theme of the exhibition. When they turn the page of the text, the sound waves will be revealed, attracting them into the world of sound.
Regarding the print technology, I separate the textual elements and circular “sound waves” elements. The text is silk-screen printed on transparent PVC material in gradual changing dot grid. The circular “sound waves” are printed on paper. The two layers will combine into one complete key visual. By doing so, audience are led to pay attention to the title and the theme of the exhibition. When they turn the page of the text, the sound waves will be revealed, attracting them into the world of sound.
Find the balance between GRAME and Shanghai Minsheng Modern museum's design requirements. Try to understand the exhibition's spirit and deliver it accurately.
Enhance publicity so that more viewers can see this work.
It took me one month.
Observe the content of the exhibition and the elements that the exhibition wants to present. It was commissioned.
The entire design is for the exhibition of Shanghai Minsheng Modern Art Museum.
The work’s inspiration is based on my understanding of the exhibition.
I complete the work independently.
This design’s target customer is exhibition’s audience.
The name of the exhibition is obtained by summarizing the characteristics of the work and discussing with the curator. The exhibition consisted of 44 audio and visual art works by 26 artists. Focusing on spatialization design and using any kind of transparent materials, most of these installation art pieces convey the status of optics and ability of visual expression behind the meaning of “transparency.” Combining art pieces of videos, music, installations, and programming, the exhibition rendered the intangible and penetrating features of “sound.”
Selection of materials for finished products.
Adobe illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
Good at using the right materials to make the design more recognizable.
I designed by myself.
Implement design ideas.
Relying on the analysis of the visual experience of the museum's audience, the design direction is obtained: the clear information transmission and the simple visual style are more popular with the public.
Make sure both artists and the museum’s need is taken care.
To make more people see my work, and get more feedback.
How to communicate with different parties more efficiently.