Book Review: He Shi: Chen Yu Yu Works

This artbook by Chinese artist Chen Yu Yu features character designs inspired by the Rorschach test or inkblots. If you don't know what's a Rorschach test, it's basically patterns created by inkblots placed in the middle where the paper folds. Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning. Here, Chen Yu Yu used them to get some inspired character designs.

There's a very fantasy and spiritual vibe to his characters. There's certainly some inspiration from Chinese gods and mythologies. For example, there are some monks, characters with multiple hands, spirits or some supernatural beings from the cosmic. Almost all the characters have their eyes closed and that creates a sense of peace and mystery that invites the viewer to imagine the personality or story behind the character.

This is a beautiful and unusual artbook.

The Chinese title is 合十陈梓郁.

This book was borrowed from Basheer Graphic Books for review purposes. You can order the book from them. Check with Basheer on Facebook.