Forms of Inquiry

Jiangnan (a geographic region in China referring to an area south of the Yangtze River) is known for its picturesque traditional architecture featuring white walls and black tiles. Round and rhombus windows punctuate expanses of white wall. The contrast with black roofs and eaves creates a graceful disorder. Its beauty lies in the clarity of rhythm and layers, simplicity, purity, and a strong sense of harmonious form.

Chinese designers pay much attention to the expression of white or empty space because they consider white to be a color. As the old saying goes, “take white as black.” It’s a philosophy that equates the emptiness of white with the solidness of black. To use black skillfully, you must first master the use of white. A black figure is not perfect without a well-arranged white figure as a contrast. White and black are in a dialectic relationship.

The design of our print dissects and reconstructs these traditional architectural elements and conveys an imaginary image of Jiangnan architecture, with an emphasis on the influence of white to black. We aim to create a contemporary design aesthetic with traditional means.

Inquiry

Take White as Black