Wenqin (Echo) He

Beyond Dancing Shadows 起舞弄清影

Discussion of applying Typeface Design to resist the vanishing of Chinese shadow puppetry and Chinese opera

Project Abstract

This research examines how typography can aid in preserving and revitalizing Huaxian shadow puppetry and Chinese opera, which are fading from contemporary public view. The project explores the communication gap between these traditional art forms and modern youth, focusing on how the historical, cultural, and symbolic aspects of Chinese characters can bridge this divide. By analyzing the cultural values and visual characteristics of Huaxian shadow puppetry, the research investigates how these elements can be incorporated into Chinese font design. The project is structured around three core areas: designing shadows, performing typefaces, and preserving culture. It argues that typography is a material for cultural communication, exploring its potential for embedding cultural elements through new media technologies, ultimately contributing to the modern dissemination and preservation of intangible Chinese heritage cultures.

Q&A

             
        Q: In 5 words or less, what is communication design research really like?
A: Stressful but inspiring

        Q: Band name or song title that best captures your feeling about communication design.
A: My Days - Leah Dou

        Q: How many hours a day do you spend thinking about or practising design?
A: 12

        Q: Tea or coffee? Estimate number of litres you consumed in 2024 so far.
A: 300L Tea & 700L Coffee

        Q: Weirdest typeface you have ever used?
A: 阿里巴巴 and 阿里妈妈 typefaces

            Q: If communication design were a dish or meal, what would it be and why?
A: Wasabi, suprising

Fig. 1 – Designing Type Shadows.

Fig. 2 – Structure ShadowType.

Fig. 3 – ShadowType Performance Experiment.