Graphic Japan: From Woodblock and Zen to Manga and Kawaii

Natalie Avella
226 pages (10/1/2004); 31.2MB download
RotoVision SA; ISBN: 978-2-88046-771-5

DESCRIPTION

From the woodblock prints that inspired nineteenth-century artists, to the calm minimalism of Zen-inspired design, from the cult of manga and anime to the kitsch cuteness of Hello Kitty and other kawaii characters, Japanese design has long paved the way for the West to follow. Contemporary Japanese graphic design is a unique collision of traditional cultural influences and a focused thrust toward modernization on global terms, and the book reflects this marriage of tradition and hypermodernity. Essays on Japan's chief design concerns are beautifully printed in a simple, elegant manner typical of traditional Japanese work, and are combined with bold and colorful visual material that reflects the brash, global commerciality of much new material. This book is an inspirational "must" for designers in the West. It reveals the design culture of a nation that produces some of the world's most commercially successful and innovative designs, and shows the diverse range of imagery produced by Japan's designers, including posters, packaging, typography, signage, editorial design, CD covers, and corporate identities. An accessible and stylish format separates text and visuals.