Linear Harmony: The Power of lines In this collection of sketches, I delve into the potential of seemingly simple lines. I explore various densities and directions of lines to create black and white compositions with dynamic energy.
Pen sketch. Line drawing Practise
Pen sketch. One point perspective drawing
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Pen sketch. Street snd buildings
Pen sketch. Seaside landscape
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Production design for ‘Brave New World’
In the final chapter of ‘Brave New World’, John the Savage, a character who rejects the dehumanising society, seeks solace and isolates himself in a remote lighthouse. My production design for this climactic scene captures the emotional depth of his journey, I carefully choose props that reflect his rebellion and origins as described in the novel.
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Moodboard for the lighthouse
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In crafting John’s lighthouse bedroom, I want to create a haven for his exploration of identity, rebellion and solace within the confines of a dystopian world. I selected props that resonate with his New Mexico origins, his deep passion for art and literature, and tools for him to express himself.
Pencil sketch. Interior of John’s bedroom in the lighthouse
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In my drawing, I depicted the hilltop location, a place where John isolated himself from the World State. I want to show a quiet and isolated setting, with seven distant skyscrapers on the horizon, just as the novel described. The scene visually conveys the contrast between individuality and the influence of society control.
Pencil sketch. Surrounding of the lighthouse 6
Douglas House
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Handmade model. PVC foam board
Model details
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Stepping into Local These photos are a glimpse into the bustling streets in Macau, where human stories unfold in the vibrant energy of the local scenes. I want to capture the lively chaos of everyday life, in contrast to the city’s online portrayal as an extravagant place.
Photography. Shot in Macau, China. January, 2023
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Osaka Day & Night
Photography. Shot in Osaka, Japan. March, 2023
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This is one of the assignments during my previous architecture course. The kindergarten design prioritises the unique need of children, Focusing on creating a safe and engaging growth space. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are characterised by numerous undefined public areas, encouraging children to experience various activities.
Digital design. Kindergarten design -1
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Joyland: Kindergarten Design
The distinctive abundance use of curved wall not only adds flexibility but also addresses safety concerns. These curved walls create an environment where children can play and chase.
Digital design. Kindergarten design -2
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2-person Dormitory design
Model details
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Handmade model. Wooden board. 30*18*20cm
In this project, I remodel a typical Chinese dormitory and create a shared living space for two individuals with distinct hobbies — book lover and music enthusiast.The aim is to ensure a harmonious living environment that celebrates individual pursuits without disruption.
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The first floor features a cozy living room and a small bar for shared leisure, a reading area and a separate music room for individual pursuits. Upstairs, there are two identical private bedrooms to ensure personal space. The challenge in the process of model making was crafting tiny furnitures and objects for this miniature dormitory.
Marker drawing. Elevation and oor plan
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Zigzag House This Z-shaped house is designed to adapt to the hill’s slope, with distinctive roofs inspired by the art of paper folding. I choose wood materials and warm lighting to create a comforting and cozy home atmosphere.
Process
Handmade model. Wooden board. Hillside house design
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Gouache painting. Multiple objects
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Observational Drawing
This pencil sketch was time-consuming as I worked on capturing various materials like metal, wood, and iron using just pencils. The process gave me a better understanding of how to represent different textures.
Pencil sketch. Multiple objects
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This is a gouache painting of the same objects. While pencil sketch focuses on capturing every detail, working with gouache presents a challenge due to its less precise nature. With gouache, I have to make choices about what to emphasise and what to omit.
Gouache painting. Multiple objects
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Dawn Elegance: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
I like the inherent lightness and vibrant quality of watercolours, which distinct from the heavy texture of oil paintings. This led me to choose watercolours as the medium to capture the beauty and sacred feeling of Hagia Sophia at dawn.
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Process
Watercolour. A2
This was my first attempt into a large-scale watercolour piece, which brought unexpected challenges, especially the unpredictable pigment flow. I chose very light colours and applied layer after layer, repeating the process to minimise uncertainty and mistakes.
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Personal statement For many, the allure of a lm may lie in its captivating plot, its all-star casts, or its witty dialogue. However, for me, the real magic of cinema is the visual side of it. How every element is combined to evoke a speci c mood, how a director uses space to narrate a story, and how the design of a scene can affect audiences' emotions. When a lm comes to the end, I always remain seated until the nal credits nished, amazed at how much efforts had been invested in bringing the lm to life and appreciating every individual's involvement no matter big or small. It is my dream to be a part of the lm production crew. After watching so many behind-the-scenes videos, I got to know the role of production design, which perfectly aligns with my passion for both lms and architecture. Following a two-year architecture undergraduate study in China, I decided to pursue a different path to seek a more personally ful lling experience. Although my initial expectation for a creatively stimulating subject was not met, the journey provided me with valuable skills such as sketching, perception of space, model making and digital design. These skills are all relevant to production design, which laid a solid foundation for my future study. I want to merge my knowledge of architecture into the art of production design. This unique mixture will allow me to approach design from a new and creative perspective. I am also eager to explore different roles in lm production process such as cinematography and costume design, so attending a school with diverse creative departments will allow me to collaborate with others from various elds, broadening my understanding beyond my primary course.
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Beyond the roles in the lm society, I had a unique opportunity to volunteer at Beijing International Film Festival this year. Working with excellent lm producers and directors from the forefront of Chinese lm industry was an eye-opener for me. This precious experience reinforced my desire to pursue a future as a lmmaker. In my spare time, I enjoy photographing, playing the guitar, and going to concerts. I always nd comfort in capturing beautiful moments, whether it is through my camera, guitar strings or the immersive live performances. 'I think anything is possible to anyone who dreams, dares, works, and never gives up.' -- from one of my favourite directors, Xavier Dolan, a young and brilliant director who has captured the spirit of our generation. Even awed and imperfect his works are, yet his passion, boldness, and maverick resonated with me and inspired me to pursue a path in lmmaking, adding my unique voice to the visual narratives of our generation. I am excited to dive into lm design, bringing my dream to life on the screen.
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In the past few years, I established '8 ½' lm society at my previous university and served as its president. Launching a new society demanded collaboration with fellow members and dealing with various challenges, from university regulations to budget limitations. This journey empowered me with strong leadership, management, and communication skills. Now, embarking on a new chapter in a foreign land, I am actively engaging with lm society at Newcastle University. I am currently working on a short lm project with fellow lm society members, with my primary focus on set design. This experience not only deepens my understanding of lm production but also sharpens my ability to work in a team where creativity ourishes through different ideas and perspectives.
ZHIHUI WANG / 2023