Love for Hometown: A Visual Tribute to Jingdezhen

Propagating City Culture through Graphic Design

Using traditional craft techniques, Feng Wu crafted a porcelain plate with exquisite glazed blue and red colors. This plate became the catalyst for further visual exploration by Tao Jiang. The result is a series of designs that beautifully capture the essence of Jingdezhen.

One of the unique properties of these designs is the use of a rectangle red seal, which symbolizes the Chinese characters for Jingdezhen. This seal not only adds depth and richness to the artwork but also pays homage to Chinese traditional culture. The combination of porcelain patterns and the seal's shape and meaning creates a design that is deeply rooted in tradition and history.

The contrast between the blue and red colors in the designs adheres to Western color principles, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional elements. This juxtaposition sets this series apart from others, making it truly distinctive and visually striking.

Using partial enlargement and Photoshop, Tao Jiang reimagined the patterns from the porcelain plate and incorporated the seal shape into new works. The main image measures 1270mm x 1270mm, while optional images #1, #3, and #4 are all 635mm x 635mm. Optional image #2 has dimensions of 860mm (width) x 1220mm (height).

These designs serve as a powerful medium to promote the image and culture of Jingdezhen. By combining traditional elements with modern software, Tao Jiang and Feng Wu have created a visual language that bridges the gap between Chinese culture and international audiences.

The Love for Hometown project began in December 2018 and was completed in March 2019 in Macao. Tao Jiang, an associate professor specializing in art and design in China, embarked on this endeavor to explore new avenues of visual communication in the era of globalization.

The challenges faced during the creation of these designs were centered around finding a balance between Chinese traditional culture and international and modern concepts. Tao Jiang's goal was to create designs that seamlessly connected the philosophy and patterns of Chinese culture with contemporary forms.

The Love for Hometown series of posters and graphics has garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence while contributing to the improvement of quality of life.

Through their Love for Hometown project, Tao Jiang and Feng Wu have successfully captured the spirit of Jingdezhen and propagated its rich cultural heritage to a global audience. These designs serve as a testament to the power of visual communication in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding.