“The Dawn of Graphic Design in China“ by Robert L. Peters
Robert L. Peters is a Canadian graphic designer and educator. He is a former president of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda), and author of the Worldwide Identity: Inspired Design from Forty Countries (Rockport Publishers). He has participated in a wide range of design activities in China at the beginning of this century. He is also a frequent contributor to Communication Arts magazine.
The article consists of three parts, an outline of Chinese history and culture, a summary of various elements in Chinese art, and a brief introduction of contemporary Chinese graphic design landscape.
The title of the article is a bit misleading. The history of Chinese art and design can be traced back thousands of years, while the modern concept of graphic design prospered during the 20th century. What the author means “dawn” here, is actually the new phase of Chinese graphic design that has been propelled by the fast economic development at the beginning of the 21st century.
Nonetheless, for people who want an introductory background knowledge of Chinese history and art, and a glimpse of the elements that influence the contemporary graphic design scene, this is quite a concise yet panoramic reading.
Some of the magazines mentioned in the article: