CONVERSE

NEW WAVE

In the vibrant realm of MAO Live, my artistic tribute unfolds as a fervent homage to the indelible impact of the "New Wave" music movement on my nascent years as a student and its unwavering resonance throughout my journey into adulthood as an artist. Immersed in nostalgia, I find myself captivated by the audacious punk roots of this genre, yet equally enthralled by the intricate interplay of technology and art that defines its distinct sonic landscape. My cherished memories of youthful days are intimately intertwined with the soundtrack of The Cars, Duran Duran, and The Police.

As the currents of life propel me forward, I sense a subtle ebbing of my former enthusiasm for the new wave; my once-avid attendance at live shows now tempered, my vantage point gradually receding within the bustling throngs, and my once-revered new wave music collection now resting in quiescence. Yet, upon introspection, I rekindle the enduring spirit of the movement, reimagined in novel hues and forms. Within the recesses of my artistry, I kindle the flames of "passion, maverick, romance, and senses" that once enlivened the new wave. Through my creative opus, I exult in the transformative influence of this musical saga, ingeniously weaving its essence into my very being and infusing my art with its timeless verve. The stripes assume the mantle of lyrical poetry, colors harmonize as a symphonic melody, and together with the viewer, our collective voices resound as a mesmerizing vocal ensemble.

In this dual dedication, my art reverberates with profound appreciation for both the hallowed sanctuary of MAO Live and the pioneering spirit of the new wave, twin pillars of musical heritage that remain steadfast in their significance, spanning across temporal divides. My multimedia opus stands as a poignant epitaph to the bygone era, a tribute to its enduring legacy, and simultaneously, a soaring testament to the boundless possibilities that await on the horizon of the "future."



ART DIRECTOR: Nod Young
PROJECT: OFF CANVAS: A STREET-LEVEL TYPOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
DESIGNER: Nod Young
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lei Tantan
YEAR: 2011
CLIENT: Converse