Chi

2021

Project Overview

Client

Personal project

Type of Work

Illustration

Project Description

To me, this project holds deep personal and cultural significance, serving as a powerful reminder of inner strength and heritage. I went on a creative adventure to research, test and combine elements from the Strength Tarot card and traditional Hang Trong paintings.

The Strength tarot card, the number 8 in the Major Arcana, embodies qualities of courage, compassion, and determination. This card speaks to the unwavering spirit within each individual, capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Traditional Hang Trong paintings bear spiritual and cultural values and are displayed in Hanoian households during Tet holidays and religious occasions. A notable source of inspiration for my design was Xuan Lam's exhibition Rendezvous between the Old and the New. In this exhibition, he remade a series of Hang Trong paintings with rough pencil texture and warm ambience. His exceptional works has been a great influence on my creative journey for many years.

Symbolism and Inspiration

In this project, I made a creatively liberating choice on the traditional representation of the Strength Tarot card. While the card typically features a lion, I chose a tiger, a symbol pride and authority in Vietnamese culture. With a calm yet determined expression, the tiger expresses a sense of pride and courage, aligning with the meaning of the Strength card. Its gaze looks forward, following the direction of the wind, symbolizing the pursuit of progress and embracing life's ever-changing paths.

Sketching Phase

One of the most challenging part of this process was capturing the accurate details of the tiger's stripes. Spending time researching, I compared and analyzed different depictions from various Hang Trong paintings. This extensive research and comparison allowed me to make informed decisions and delivered the final design for the tiger's distinctive traditional markings.
‍
The tattoo design features two hieroglyphs in chu Nom, a traditional Vietnamese writing language. The hieroglyph above means "Chi," representing inner power and vitality. The hieroglyph below is the number 8, aligning with the Strength card's number. These elements not only add emotional depth and connection to me but also hold cultural significance to the design.

Detailing Phase

Creating this tattoo design has been a deeply personal and culturally significant experience for me. It serves as a constant reminder of my inner strength, cultural identity, and it still continues to encourage me through my creative journey.

Conclusion