Yongle Palace Myth: Transforming Traditional Murals into Modern Cartoon Illustrations

Preserving and Promoting the Cultural Heritage of Yongle Palace through Art and Design

The unique strength of the Yongle Palace Myth design lies in its ability to present the rich cultural heritage of Yongle Palace in a fresh and engaging way. By using computer technology to convert the traditional murals into cartoon figures, the designers have opened up new possibilities for displaying Yongle Palace culture in a modern aesthetic format.

The cartoon illustrations featured in the design include characters such as the "Empress Mother," "Emperor Huang Tian," "Queen Mother of the West," and "Maid." These characters, with their cartoon appeal, serve as a bridge between the traditional mural art and the contemporary audience, capturing their attention and fostering a deeper appreciation for the murals of Yongle Palace.

The realization of the Yongle Palace Myth design is made possible through the use of vector graphic design software, Adobe Illustrator. The designers skillfully utilize Bessel tools to depict the elegant and light feeling of the characters' clothing, as well as the essence of the line drawing art found in the original Yongle Palace murals. The final cartoon illustrations are printed in four colors, creating visually striking promotional materials.

The technical specifications of the cartoon figure paintings are 127x127cm and 63.5x63.5cm, with plane printing. These dimensions allow for the artwork to be displayed prominently, capturing the attention of viewers and conveying the essence of Yongle Palace culture.

By incorporating cartoon illustrations into the promotion of Yongle Palace, the design creates an interactive and engaging experience for the audience. The modern aesthetic and relatable nature of cartoon images enhance people's interest and understanding of Yongle Palace, ensuring that the murals become deeply rooted in their hearts.

The Yongle Palace Myth design project took place from March 2019 to September 2019 in Shenyang, China. Throughout the duration of the project, the designers conducted extensive research on the Yongle Palace murals, focusing on capturing the verve and body style of the characters. They employed techniques such as simplification, exaggeration, and decoration to upgrade the characters and incorporate elements such as cranes, lotuses, and ribbons to showcase the artistry of Chinese "Taoist" culture.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of the Yongle Palace Myth design was the translation of traditional mural characters into modern cartoon illustrations. This required a careful balance between preserving the essence of the original art and adapting it to suit contemporary aesthetics. The designers successfully overcame this challenge by transforming time and space, creating a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.

The Yongle Palace Myth design is a testament to the power of art and design in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By transforming traditional mural art into modern cartoon illustrations, Wang Yumeng and Huo Kai have not only breathed new life into Yongle Palace culture but also catered to the aesthetic preferences of modern society.

Image Credits: Wang Yumeng and Huo Kai, 2019.

Awards and Accolades: The Yongle Palace Myth design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The Yongle Palace Myth design contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place through its innovative approach to preserving cultural heritage.