Y-Comic-X? (100 Years of Chinese Cartoon Exhibition)
Held at Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Arts Center and organized by Design Society with the theme of Chinese comics, “Y-COMIC-X?” is an exhibition about the popularity of comics, graphic language, and visual expression.
The Challenge
With the popularity of comics, graphic languages have become independent image symbols widely used in various visual expressions. Comics have evolved to enhance storytelling and vividness, as well as to include exaggeration, entertainment, and graphic expression.
Project Vision
Y-Comic-X? examines China’s history through the evolution of Chinese comics, showcasing over 400 works by 85 local artists, including 73 original drawings in chronological sequence. Inspired by the expressive language of comics, such as the storyboard, dialog box, speed line, and onomatopoeia, the team reshapes the images using a variety of visual languages.
Anamorphosis art.
ACF, Design Society
The audience took a group photo in the entrance where the speed line was drawn.
ACF, Design Society
The decorative design of the wall is composed of onomatopoeia and modal words commonly used in cartoons.
ACF, Design Society
The design content on the wall of the message is a classic line from the cartoon.
ACF, Design Society
Design + Execution
The design explores the essence of comics, immersing the audience in a multi-dimensional realm, while presenting the evolution of Chinese comics as a unique form of narration. Through the extraction and abstraction of common characteristics found in comics, the design explores the transformation between various dimensions in each of the exhibition’s six chapters while creating an engaging and playful environment.
The neon decorative elements in the middle of the exhibition hall are popular words in cartoons.
ACF, Design Society
The neon decorative elements in the middle of the exhibition hall are popular words in cartoons.
ACF, Design Society
The neon decorative elements in the middle of the exhibition hall are popular words in cartoons.
ACF, Design Society
Project Details
The all white exhibition hall was a jaw dropper. The use and scale of the white neon was a visually arresting way to interpret the graphic shapes and typography of cartoons and comics in a physical environment.
The highlight for me was the central amphitheater-like social space, with its restrained color palette and suspended neon signs. The graphics and architecture seem to be operating in unison, creating an unconventional and uplifting spatial experience.
Design Team
Zhang Shuo (design director)
Fu Shixin (designer)
Zhang Lai (designer)
Wang Liuyin (designer)
Du Minliang (designer)
Hu Yiling (designer)
Wang Xiaoyang (designer)
Zhao Jiongsen (designer)
Zou Jingyu (designer)
Chen Xuecong (design internship)
Photo Credits
ACF (photography)
Design Society (photography)
Open Date
August 2019