Restraint and solitude - the wonderful pared-back work of Wang Zhi-Hong

Date
30 October 2014

Taiwan-born graphic designer Wang Zhi-Hong claims the place that most stimulates his imagination most is one with “no one but me”. In a somewhat reluctant-sounding chat with French magazine Post IM, he paints a careful picture of himself as a man of solitude and precision. Whether or not this makes for a happy life, it certainly makes for some superb graphic design work. From his impressive portfolio we were most drawn to his book design, which takes this idea of a simple, uncluttered existence and turns it into beautiful pared back, precise creations. We were particularly seduced by the monochrome Yohji Yamamoto book designs, with the glorious curved forms of Japanese kanji characters given space to breathe against this restrained aesthetic.

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Yohji Yamamoto book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Yohji Yamamoto book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Yohji Yamamoto book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Yohji Yamamoto book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Yohji Yamamoto book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Public Philosophy: Essays on Morality in Politics book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Public Philosophy: Essays on Morality in Politics book design

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Wang Zhi-Hong: Public Philosophy: Sandalwood Death book design

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About the Author

Emily Gosling

Emily joined It’s Nice That as Online Editor in the summer of 2014 after four years at Design Week. She is particularly interested in graphic design, branding and music. After working It's Nice That as both Online Editor and Deputy Editor, Emily left the company in 2016.

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