The Heart Sutra: A Blend of Zen, Tea, and Cultural Communication

Poster Design by Zhang Xuwei

Blend tea and paper into raw material, pinch out the shape of Chinese characters by hand, and form an article. "The Heart Sutra" is a poster design that combines the symbolism of tea and the profound teachings of the Heart Sutra to evoke a sense of peacefulness and Buddhist spirit. The use of paper as a carrier of cultural communication adds another layer of depth to this design.

The process of creating "The Heart Sutra" involves dissolving paper in tea soup to create a raw material. Zhang Xuwei then skillfully pinches the Chinese characters by hand, meticulously shaping them to represent the profound teachings of the Heart Sutra. The final result is a visually captivating poster that embodies the essence of Zen and Buddhist culture.

Measuring 8000×700mm, "The Heart Sutra" is a testament to Zhang Xuwei's dedication to his craft. The design incorporates 15 grams of tea, infusing it with the essence of Zen and tranquility. The use of Chinese calligraphy and font design further enhances the cultural significance of this piece.

Throughout the design process, Zhang Xuwei faced the challenge of shaping the characters solely by hand. This hands-on approach adds a personal touch to the design, infusing it with the artist's own energy and passion.

"The Heart Sutra" project began in August in China and was completed in September. Zhang Xuwei's research involved delving into historical data to understand the integration of foreign and local cultures, ultimately resulting in a design that beautifully combines these influences.

This award-winning design has garnered recognition and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018. This accolade is a testament to the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of "The Heart Sutra." It is a creation that meets professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

Through "The Heart Sutra," Zhang Xuwei has created a visual masterpiece that not only showcases his talent but also serves as a reminder of the power of art, design, and cultural communication.