Penguin Student Design Awards 2019
This design endeavor provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in the culminating phases of the 2019 Penguin Student Awards. Notably, the work achieved distinction by being shortlisted among a pool of over 2000 submissions, specifically in the esteemed Adult Fiction category. This recognition underscored the design's notable merit and alignment with the discerning standards of the competition.
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Within the context of this project, we were tasked with the creation of a book cover for the esteemed work "Norwegian Wood" authored by Haruki Murakami. The narrative unfurls as a profound love story set against the backdrop of Japan, intricately delving into the intricate tapestry of emotions through the interplay of its central characters. Anchored in a foundation of dualism, the story serves as the crux of inspiration, driving my design choices.
To encapsulate this duality, a minimal yet captivating cover was thoughtfully fashioned. I employed the medium of painting to shape two distinct stripes, a visual representation of the central motif. Through a series of explorations, I harnessed the tactile quality of the medium, allowing the paint to protrude from the paper, evoking a sense of three-dimensionality.
During the final phase of submissions, a concise design explanation was mandated. Here is my design elucidation:“Dualism is a pivotal concept in Murakami’s book. The two girls between whom Toru is divided embody two opposing facets of life: Naoko is introverted, serious, and quiet, while Midori is vivacious, enthusiastic, and brimming with life. The entire story hinges on contrasts that mirror these two women: life and death, winter and spring, joy and the struggle to accept loss. This is the core imagery I sought to convey through my design—keeping it as minimalistic as possible yet simultaneously imbuing it with intrigue and elegance.”
