Off Screen Audio: A Unique Book Design Celebrating Chinese Opera

Expressing the Essence of Drama Through Artistic Book Design

Inspired by the opera elements that are integral to Peng Xiao Hang's works, Off Screen Audio breaks through the boundaries of traditional book design. The cover design, featuring a hollow-out technique, directly reflects the world of books and drama. It highlights the theme of off screen sound, creating a specific symbol that represents the essence of this unique art form. The font design of "Off Screen Audio" itself is a visual representation of audio, composed of dots, lines, and planes, adding to the aesthetic and artistic appeal of the book.

The work titled "Sound Outside the Picture" takes the cover design to another level. By incorporating a hollow-out process, it effectively merges the theme of "Sound Outside the Picture" with the appearance of the drama. This clever design choice allows the book to directly reflect the author's theatrical world, breaking the limitations of the stage and resonating with the spirit of the times. The result is a specific symbol that represents the concept of sound outside the painting, enhancing the overall aesthetic and artistic sense of the book.

Off Screen Audio is realized using advanced techniques such as lock wire false hardcover, high-density gray plate for the outer cover and back cover, hot dumb silver, activated hollow, and laser void. These technical specifications ensure that the book not only looks visually stunning but also stands the test of time.

Measuring at 190mmX210mm, Off Screen Audio is a compact yet impactful book that showcases the beauty and intricacy of Chinese opera. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Guangzhou, China, where it was created in 2019.

Peng Xiao Hang's work, "Sound Outside the Picture," is a part of the "Guangdong Freehand Oil Painting Society Nomination Exhibition," co-sponsored by Guangdong Freehand Oil Painting Society, New Southern Art, Guangdong Environmental Protection, and Guangdong Fashion Brand Operation Group. For Peng, drama is not just a form of entertainment; it represents the epitome of oriental culture, embodying the vitality of the nation and expressing oriental thoughts and humanistic feelings. His paintings, characterized by their abstract and symbolic representation of traditional Chinese culture, evoke a sense of the eternal and transcendental.

Through his continuous artistic journey, Peng's paintings have evolved, with a focus on simplifying character shapes and backgrounds. His characters exist in non-specific spaces, emphasizing the timeless nature of his art. This series of painting exhibition works allows more people to experience Peng's unique painting language system and style, as well as his ability to express the spiritual culture of the Chinese nation and the symbols of oriental civilization. It offers the audience a glimpse into the dramatic world outside the painting.

Off Screen Audio has been recognized for its exceptional design and received the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Print and Published Media Design category in 2020. This award is a testament to the book's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The book integrates industry best practices and exhibits competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to readers, contributing to a better world.

Off Screen Audio is a testament to the power of design in capturing the essence of an art form. Through its unique and innovative approach, it brings the beauty and artistry of Chinese opera to life, making it accessible to a wider audience. This book is a must-have for art enthusiasts, opera lovers, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of art, design, and culture.