As part of the publicity campaign for this year's production themed “悖”, my pubs team designed and painted a huge banner! For those who wants to know more about the meaning of “悖”, here is an excerpt from the description (written by Bin Hui):
This year we will feature three different plays, which seek to explore the concept of “Bei” (悖), a term which characterizes the maverick spirit. Our three short plays explore the transgressions of customary boundaries and how characters respond to the public's pervasive disdain for their actions. We hope that through our plays, the audience can glean equal measure of entertainment and insight into the schema of the maverick.
“悖”，有混乱、冲突、违背之意。剧中人物或为了个人理想和追求， 异想天开做出常人难以理解的行为；勇于挑战世俗观念， 无视大众心理，是否才是解决问题，获得幸福的正确途径？ 三部短剧真实地展现了人性中复杂多变的情感变化， 以及由此给生活带来的喜怒哀乐。
In the initial stage of conceptualization, we looked at different possibilities of presenting the banner specific to its theme and location - such as a two split banner, horizontal, vertical, and even non-cloth medium. After rounds of discussion, we all agreed that the conventional way provides most room for creativity while maintaining a standard of visual appeal.
The subject matter is our most debated topic...I will just summarise the rationale for this current design. The image of a man facing his own back in the mirror, is clearly inspired by and pays homage to the great Surrealist Rene Magritte.
In Magritte's Not To Be Reproduced, the seemingly improper reflection of the man naturally evokes one's curiosity on his face, perhaps how he looks or the message that it's masking.
I felt that this image, by showing only one side of his face, was appropriate in portraying the lack of alternative viewpoints besides those that we immediately adopt, especially against actions or individuals who go against public goodwill. This banner was intended to confront the conventional and invite viewers to join in the exploration of the maverick spirit.
Here are some photographs of the banner-making process (~2 weeks):
1.Chalking outlines and grids
2. Painting
3. Chalking the texts (haha juniors)
4. Refining and adding texts and logo
5. Finally Bridge Announcement!
Credits to Lin laoshi, seniors Xuedi and Jie Ting, 行政总监 Bin Hui, 催场 Lionel and Jiayi and (...tbu), batchmates, juniors, other 黄城人s and my parents! (for their understanding when I go home at 11pm OTL)
Thanks for reading!
