Sound of Silence
A poetic editorial experimenting fancy papers for the Materials / Designers Exhibition
Project Type
Art Direction
Year
2023
Origin
Hong Kong
Client / Collaborator
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Material Resource Centre
Role
Designer, Editor, Photographer
In 2023, I had the honour of being invited as an alumni exhibitor at the Materials/Designers Exhibition organised by the Material Resource Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design. This exhibition provided a unique opportunity for designers to select a material that best represents their creative identity. As a communication design student during my bachelor's studies, paper emerged as a fundamental material that I frequently employed across various projects. I developed a deep appreciation for exploring the diverse textures and possibilities offered by paper in my printed works.
Participating in this exhibition allowed me to break free from the constraints of traditional project formats and content guidelines. It presented a remarkable platform for me to embark on an initiative project that encouraged unrestricted creativity and exploration. This opportunity not only fueled my passion for design but also enabled me to push the boundaries of my artistic expression.
MATERIAL IN USE – FANCY PAPER
In modern times, a wide range of production processes allows for the creation of paper with an extensive variety of textures, such as sheets that resemble leather, rocks, fabric, or even plants. Paper possesses the unique ability to be delicate like silk, yet it can also be as strong as metal. It is incredibly versatile, and capable of being transformed into various forms. Similar to our lives, paper can adapt to different environments. Furthermore, it reflects our emotions, as it can be both resilient and tender depending on the circumstances.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
I set out to explore the concept of sound through the medium of paper, using it to express an introspective journey into my inner voice. A mind-mapping exercise led me to two key ideas: white noise, symbolising the external world’s distractions, and black noise, representing the unheard inner voice. To convey this, I combined three elements: poems to capture the emotion of sound through language; paper, whose tactile interaction adds an audible layer; and photography to visualise the presence of sound. Together, these components form a multi-sensory narrative that reflects the complex relationship between sound, self, and material form.
BOOK ANATOMY
This “book-within-a-book” is a complementary combination of two books, each themed respectively under “White Noise” and “Black Noise”.
“White Noise”, the “external book”, charts the process of my voice being overwhelmed by a sea of external voices – particularly in relation to social expectations and life’s challenges. Its white pages boast an array of textures, elevating the mood of the reader each time a page is turned. Conversely, the internal book “Black Noise” is printed on black and blue sheets of fancy paper and tracing paper with all sorts of thicknesses, colour shades and textures. The colours are a metaphor for diving into my inner world like the depths of a lake.
The book presents me returning to the purest original intention step by step from the confusion of life. By using pages of fancy paper with different textures, I attempt to reinterpret the idea of “book reading” – which focuses on text and images only – to imply the ups and downs of life.
BOOK NAMING
Sound of Silence 明陣 — The labyrinth (明陣) differs from a typical maze, as it offers a clear path leading to self-reflection and inner peace. Serving as a metaphor for life’s journey, it may appear complex but possesses a singular entrance and exit. Despite external influences and challenges, our choices govern our path to the deepest point. By staying true to our initial intentions, the entrance becomes our exit.
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