We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Xulei Li about their original and creative Exhibition of Sound Art design work. Xulei Li is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original exhibition of sound art works.
Xulei Li ("XL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Listening to Transparency Exhibition of Sound Art. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
XL : The idea of the design is based on circular waves representing sound sources. The waves are of various angles and curvatures. They take on a transparent look, representing the transparent material used by the art pieces, as well as the transient and untouchable sound. In terms of the type style, the title of the exhibition, in both Chinese and English, is inserted throughout the circular sound waves. The Chinese text is in traditional font Song, carrying an aura of China. The text is in gradual change of blue, emphasizing the transparent and mysterious vibe of the exhibition. The overall colors of the poster are orange and blue, matching the main colors of France’s National Flag, symbolizing the cultural communication between China and France. Regarding the print technology, I separate the textual elements and circular “sound waves” elements. The text is silk-screen printed on transparent PVC material in gradual changing dot grid. The circular “sound waves” are printed on paper. The two layers will combine into one complete key visual. By doing so, audience are led to pay attention to the title and the theme of the exhibition. When they turn the page of the text, the sound waves will be revealed, attracting them into the world of sound.
XL : Find the balance between GRAME and Shanghai Minsheng Modern museum's design requirements. Try to understand the exhibition's spirit and deliver it accurately.
XL : Enhance publicity so that more viewers can see this work.
XL : It took me one month.
XL : Observe the content of the exhibition and the elements that the exhibition wants to present. It was commissioned.
XL : The entire design is for the exhibition of Shanghai Minsheng Modern Art Museum.
XL : The work’s inspiration is based on my understanding of the exhibition.
XL : I complete the work independently.
XL : This design’s target customer is exhibition’s audience.
XL : The name of the exhibition is obtained by summarizing the characteristics of the work and discussing with the curator. The exhibition consisted of 44 audio and visual art works by 26 artists. Focusing on spatialization design and using any kind of transparent materials, most of these installation art pieces convey the status of optics and ability of visual expression behind the meaning of “transparency.” Combining art pieces of videos, music, installations, and programming, the exhibition rendered the intangible and penetrating features of “sound.”
XL : Selection of materials for finished products.
XL : Adobe illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
XL : Good at using the right materials to make the design more recognizable.
XL : I designed by myself.
XL : Implement design ideas.
XL : Relying on the analysis of the visual experience of the museum's audience, the design direction is obtained: the clear information transmission and the simple visual style are more popular with the public.
XL : Make sure both artists and the museum’s need is taken care.
XL : To make more people see my work, and get more feedback.
XL : How to communicate with different parties more efficiently.
