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“CHENGYU VISUALIZED,” an EDGE CreativeCollective exhibition of chinese idiomatic expressions@ HYATT ANDAZ in shanghaiStorytelling takes many forms and idioms are one ofthe most elegant ways to encapsulate rich stories injust a few words or characters. Those passionateabout Chinese culture know “Chengyu” –fourcharacter Chinese idioms–are a priceless and colorfulsource of Chinese myths, folktales, and historicalfacts that teach lessons about morality, life, andnature.
We’ve always believed that Chengyu should be celebrated more widely and in avariety of styles, including taking a modern approach to the visual reinterpretationof the four characters that make them up and the stories the phrases tell. That’s whywe’re proud to announce our collaboration with Osage Art Consultancy to curateand produce an exhibition at Hyatt ANDAZ Shanghai titled “Chengyu Visualized.”
For the exhibition, 21 emerging Chinese artists from all over the country (allmembers of the EDGE Creative Collective) visually interpreted their favorite“chengyu” through typography design and artwork. “Chengyu Visualized” capturesthe essence of traditional Chinese idioms in a modern way, while showcasing avariety of individual artistic styles through various mediums.
Featured EDGE Creative Collective members in the exhibition include: Elephant,Niu Xiaosheng, Lok Ng, Garfield.M, IMKENICAN, Lulu, Mojo, Sally Zou, SO.P,Shrek Su, Hong Hua, Hua Tunan, Coozie, Broken Bike, Mei Lin, Su Sisi, ShadowChen, Tan Se, Wang Na, Wang2Mu, and Momo.
The exhibit is currently on display in all guest corridors at the Hyatt ANDAZShanghai. Go have a look, but you might have to check in first. If checking in
presents a problem, no worries…check out all the pieces below. We’ve also sharedsome photos from the exhibition space itself. Enjoy!
ANDAZ is Hyatt’s new collection of contemporary, boutique-inspired hotels, locatedin the dynamic, distinctive neighbourhoods of key world cities and inspiring resorts.The Shanghai property is the first Andaz in Asia, and is located in the Xintiandi area(88 Songshand Rd.)
If you have a favorite Chinese chengyu and would like to “visualize” it like the artistsbelow, please do! Then send it to us: [email protected]. We’ll post it belowtogether with these.
If you’d like to collaborate with any EDGE Creative Collective artists, purchase anyof their work, or view their full portfolio, send us an email: [email protected]
For more NeochaEDGE client work, link here. /// AjS
Mei Lin, Qingdao ///
Chengyu – liǔ àn huā míng / ��1 Literal meaning – “Dense willow trees and bright flowers.” This idiom is oftenused in times of despair as a mental departure from a difficult situation. Italludes to the beauty of the world and acts as a reminder that there is a light atthe end of the tunnel.Artist interpretation – “This idiom evokes a strong sense of classic and elegantbeauty. When it came to font design, I tried to preserve the fundamental styleof the character while also smoothing out the lines by adding curves. Theillustration uses simple, yet abstract elements to portray poetic scenes ofbeauty.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Wang2Mu, Guangzhou ///
Chengyu – nì liú ér shàng / �"�Literal meaning – “To go against the current.” This idiom is used to describesomeone who is willing to break from conformity and is unafraid to trydifferent things.Artist interpretation – “The emotion captured in this image lies in the man’sfacial expression. Through his grimace we see his endurance and perseverancein reaching his goal, while everything around him moves in opposition.”
Sally Zou, Shanghai ///
Chengyu – zhū lián bì hé / *�.Literal meaning – “Strings of pearls and bands of jade.” This idiom is used todescribe things that are a perfect fit for one another; analogous to the roundpearls of a necklace fitting flawlessly into the circular jade bands they are
coupled with. This phrase is often used to describe a strong marriage betweentwo people or things that work together seamlessly.Artist interpretation – “I wanted this piece to be a symmetrical composition soas to emphasize the continuity and harmony of the elements. The centerpieceof this illustration is traditional Chinese jade. Surrounding the jade are avariety of precious stones, totems, and pearls that come together cohesively tocreate this beautiful image.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Chengyu – kǒu ruò xuán hé / ���-Literal meaning – “A mouth like a waterfall.” This idiom describes a personwho is overly loquacious and tends to babble on.Artist interpretation – “The powerful currents of water represent anuncontrollable flow of words. The words coming out of the person’s mouth arepowerful, but unrefined and aimless.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
IMKENICAN, Shenzhen ///
Chengyu – niǎo yǔ huā xiāng / �1/Literal meaning – “Bird songs and fragrant flowers.” This idiom describes abeautiful Spring day.Artist interpretation – “The fine details in the foliage and feathers of the birds
are meant to evoke memories of the Spring season, compelling viewers toreminisce about the call of birds and the fragrance of blooming flowers.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Hong Hua, Nanjing ///
Chengyu – dòu kòu nián huá / ����Literal meaning – “The cardamom years.” This idiom is used in reference togirls in their early teens, which is widely regarded in Chinese culture as abeautiful and very meaningful age.
Artist interetation – “I wanted to focus on the facial expressions of adolescentgirls to reflect the pompous yet innocent attitude they often have at this stageof life. The girls are lost in a bed of beautiful cardamom plants as they bud andcontinue to grow along side the plants.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Shadow Chen, Ningbo ///
Chengyu – chén yú luò yàn / ����
Literal meaning – “Make fish sink and geese fall from the sky.” This idiom isused to convey the beauty of an extremely attractive woman, implying that herpresence is enough to make fish sink and cause geese to fall from the sky inawe of her appearance.Artist interpretation – “This work is inspired by the wonders of nature and thecomplexity of human emotion. The beautiful woman in this piece appears to besad yet tranquil, which reflects her feelings toward her own beauty and thetragic effects it has on the world around her.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Momo, Shanghai ///
Chengyu – bàng bìng shēng zhū / ���*Literal meaning – “A sick clam births a pearl.” Clams must first endure thehardship of ingesting gritty sand before they are able to create beautiful pearls.This idiom draws a parallel to people that are forced to deal with adversity
throughout their lives. It is through these hardships that they are able to gain aunique perspective on life and their surroundings, and in turn produce some ofthe world’s most beautiful works.Artist interpretation – “I chose to use a line drawing method for this piece andincorporated some elements of plane geometry around the clam to representpearls and other products of its experience. In its lifetime the clam hasexperienced both tribulation and enlightenment, and it faces it all with asmile.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Su Sisi, Kunming ///
Chengyu – bái yú chì wū / ��'�Literal meaning – “White fish, red crow.” This idiom is used to describe signsof good fortune.Artist interpretation – “In traditional Chinese culture, white fish are symbolic
of good fortune. The woman featured in this illustration has several tattoos oftraditional Chinese totems, including several white fish. Her white fish tattoosbring her good fortune, and with it, she is able to elevate herself above theclouds.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
SO.P, Tianjin ///
Chengyu – huà lóng diǎn jīng / ��()Literal meaning – “Bring the painted dragon to life by adding a pupils of its
eyes.” This idiom portrays bringing a piece of work to life y adding in intricatedetails. The expression is often used to describe finishing touches / last steps ofa project.Artist interpretation – “Eyes are the most important element in interpretingemotion and life. They play a pivotal role in helping us understand the worldand beings around us. Each individual person’s interpretation of eyes is verydifferent, and by changing unique details in a characters eyes, I’m able to alterthe mood of the entire painting.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Garfield.M, Guangzhou ///
Chengyu – zuò jiǎn zì fù / &�%�Literal meaning – “To spin a cocoon around oneself.” This idiom alludes to aperson who makes matters more difficult “Eyes are the most importantelement in interpreting emotion and life. They play a pivotal role in helping us
understand the world and beings around us. Each individual person’sinterpretation of eyes is very different, and by changing unique details in acharacters eyes, I’m able to alter the mood of the entire painting.”Artist interpretation – “Delicate brushwork, asymmetrical elements, gorgeouscolors; these are all things I incorporated into the piece to translate the beautyof life among the chaos of living it. The subject of the painting evokes humorwhile portraying an interesting view of the human condition.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Tan Se, Longyan ///
Chengyu – hè lì jī qún / � �Literal meaning – “A crane standing among a flock of chickens.” This idiom isused to describe a person who towers above his peers, much as a crane wouldwhen standing among a flock of chickens. The expression can be used literally
for someone who is physically larger than average, but is most often usedfiguratively to describe someone who transcends their peers in talent or ability.Artist interpretation – “This idiom creates interesting imagery in one’s head. Ichose to use half anthropomorphic characters to convey my interpretation ofboth the imagery and meaning of this idiom.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Hua Tunan, Foshan ///
Chengyu – jǐn xiù shān hé / ���-Literal meaning – “A beautiful brocade of mountains and rivers.” This idiom isused to describe the beauty of China’s majestic landscapes, suggesting that thevast mountains and rivers found in China’s countryside are just as beautiful as
their depictions in traditional silk embroideries of the past.Artist interpretation – “I utilized several different materials and techniques tocreate a traditional landscape painting with a modern twist. I chose to usevibrant colors to make a strong impact that would boldly contradict themonotonous aesthetics of traditional Chinese landscape paintings.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Mojo, Shanghai ///
Chengyu – yǎn ěr daò líng / �#��Literal meaning – “To plug one’s ears while stealing a bell.” This idiom ismeant to characterize a person that is foolishly blinded by their own self-deception. Such a person would be acting with the same foolishness as a thief
trying to steal a bell with his ears plugged; unaware of the attention he isdrawing to himself because he has chosen to block out the ringing.Artist interpretation – “People go to extremes to trick themselves into believingthat their delusions could be easier to achieve if they just ignore the obstaclesthat stand in their way. They remain unaware of the risks and dangers, yetrecklessly move forward to entertain their impulses.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Broken Bike, Nanning ///
Chengyu – tū fēi měng jìn / ����Literal meaning – “To leap and advance boldly.” This idiom is used to describesomeone who is able to progress very quickly, advancing by leaps and boundsto a higher level.
Artist interpretation – “In traditional Chinese culture, rabbits are symbolic ofspeed, much like Superman in modern culture. I drew upon the elements ofboth the rabbit and Superman to highlight the speed and confidence ofsomeone that is able to make bold advances in life.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Lok Ng, Guangzhou ///
Chengyu – fēi lǐ wù yán / ����
Literal meaning – “The impolite must not be said.” This idiom was commonlyused in ancient times when Chinese people lived in a very strict hierarchicalsociety. There were many things that people weren’t permitted to say tosomeone of an older generation or higher social class. This expression is stillused today to denote something that is too impolite to say.Artist interpretation – “The flower and butterfly elements work to establish asense elegance, while the woman’s facial expressions indicate that she isrestraining herself from expressing her thoughts. Her hands work to repressher impolite thoughts, which are represented by the ink splatters that taint theimage.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Niu Xiaosheng, Beijing ///
Chengyu – fēng hé rì lì / �0$�Literal meaning – “Gentle breeze and bright sunshine.” This idiom is used todescribe the weather on a beautiful day.
Artist interpretation – “When people see my work, I want them to be able tofeel a soft, gentle breeze and the warm summer sun on their face. I utilized apaper cut-out aesthetic, together with refreshing, cutesy colors to capture thewarmth and joy of a beautiful sunny day.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Lulu, Guilin ///
Chengyu – xiāng rú yǐ mò / � !�
Literal meaning – “To moisten each other with spit.” This idiom alludes to aChinese folktale about two beached fish struggling to keep each other alive byusing all the fluids they have left in them / around them to moisten each other.The expression is used to implore people to be altruistic in helping one anotherin times of need, no matter how scarce resources may be and without regard toone’s own well-being.Artist interpretation – “The use of the black gel pen on white paper outlines themovement of the two mermaids stranded on the beach struggling to make theirway back to the ocean. The bottom portion of the piece is meant to provide astark contrast, showing life in the water thriving as usual.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Shrek Su (aka: Hei Shehui), Beijing ///
Chengyu – jiàn guài bù guài / ����Literal meaning – “To see the unfamiliar and not express dismay.” This idiomis used to describe a person’s poise and tranquility in an otherwise strange andunfamiliar situation.
Artist interpretation – “The small monsters that surround the cyclops are thecreatures that haunt him. If we can understand that everyone and everythinghas something they are afraid of, it can help us keep an open mind about thestrange and unknown, and teach us not to fear the unfamiliar.“
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
Wang Na, Chengdu ///
Chengyu – shān jī wǔ jìng / � ��
Literal meaning – “A pheasant dancing in front of a mirror.” This idiom refersto a story in which a pheasant becomes obsessed with her own reflection whiledancing in front of a mirror and ultimately dances herself to death. Theexpression is meant to be a reminder that narcissism is not healthy, and thatone should not over-indulge in self-admiration.Artist interpretation – “I used watercolor as a medium for this painting as itallows for more freedom in creating unrestrained lines. This flexibility enabledme to accurately illustrate the reserved appearance of the pheasant, whilesimultaneously creating a dynamic dance scene.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
Elephant, Shanghai ///
Chengyu – hóng hú zhī zhì / ��+,Literal meaning – “A swan’s ambition.” This idiom is used to describe a personwith great aspirations.Artist interpretation – “I wanted to create a contrast in this piece by illustrating
an eagle in an aggressive attack position carrying a rose. This contrast of fierceaggressiveness and romanticism implies that a person’s ambitions may notalways be as savage as the actions and attitude one must assume to achievethose goals.”
TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN ///
VISUAL INTERPRETATION ///
“Chengyu Visualized” at Hyatt ANDAZ Shanghai ///
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