Exhibition pays homage to Chen Hanmin's design

Visitors read Chen Hanmin’s profile at the exhibition at Guan Shanyue Art Museum. Photos by Cao Zhen

The 1985-version Chinese coins, national model work medals, the People’s Bank of China logo, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China logo, and China’s public information graphic symbols, these iconic designs by master Chen Hanmin (1931-2022) are on display at a new exhibition at the Guan Shanyue Art Museum, in a tribute to the rich tapestry of Chinese design history.

Since 2017, the art museum has been researching modern Chinese design masters through its “A Tribute to Design” project and has held art-study exhibitions on the remarkable contributions of visionary designers such as Zhang Ding (1917-2010), Zhang Guangyu (1900-1965), Pang Xunqin (1906-1985), Chen Zhifo (1896-1962), and Zhou Lingzhao (1919-2023).

A visitor observes China’s public information graphic symbols designed by Chen Hanmin at the exhibition.

This time, collaborating with Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts and Design, the art museum is exhibiting more than 300 design works and documents, illuminating Chen’s profound impact on Chinese design and education.

A visitor admires Chen Hanmin’s works at the exhibition.

In the 1950s, Chen studied at the Shanghai Fine Arts School, the Central Academy of Fine Arts’ East China Branch in Hangzhou, and the Central Academy of Arts and Design (now Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts and Design) in Beijing. After obtaining his postgraduate degree in commercial art, he joined the Central Academy of Arts and Design faculty, eventually assuming leadership roles as the dean of two departments in the 1980s.

(Clockwise from top left) The logos of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the People’s Bank of China, the Agricultural Bank of China, and the Agricultural Development Bank of China, designed by Chen Hanmin.

His other noteworthy roles included directing committees, presiding over associations, and serving as magazine and book editor. Significant works comprise editing the “Chinese Design Yearbook” and authoring “Chen Hanmin’s Logo Art.” His accolades encompass honors in the packaging and graphic design realms, and recognition for his educational contributions, impacting and inspiring numerous talents in the industry.

Album covers and a product package designed by Chen Hanmin are on display.

Chen once said that his design philosophy, encapsulated by the Chinese style, national sentiment, and contemporary aesthetics, underscores his mastery in integrating tradition with modernity, elegance with utility, and substance with style. He believed that excellent design should be lucid, innovative, visually appealing, practical, and memorable.

Cassette covers designed by Chen Hanmin.

Emphasizing the multidisciplinary essence of commercial art, Chen stressed the imperative for designers to possess a holistic understanding of materials, printing techniques, and the entire life cycle of a product, encompassing production, storage, distribution, sales, and user experience, while acknowledging the psychological nuances that shape consumer perceptions.

Dates: Through April 21

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

Booking: WeChat account “gsyart”

Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Futian District (关山月美术馆)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit F2