SANYU AND THE ECHOES OF EXPATRIATE ARTISTS IN PARIS

“The Elsewhere of the Other” is a major annual exhibition by Taiwan’s National Museum of History, in collaboration with the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Museum; and several leading Taiwanese museums. Featuring works by Sanyu (1900–1966) and artists of the early 20th-century Paris School, the exhibition celebrates a golden era of cross-cultural modernism in Paris.
The accompanying monograph, guidebook, poster, and invitation card reflect the dreamlike colors, fluid brushstrokes, refined elegance, and romantic flair of the Paris School—capturing the creative spirit of a city that drew artists from around the world.
The monograph is designed with a personified concept, imagined as an elegant woman—stylish on the outside, rich in substance, and noble in character. A frosted translucent jacket, like a flowing garment, adds temporal distance and mystique. Beneath it lies a layered “dual-cover” design: the smaller front cover features a vintage map of Paris with embossed texture and gold foil title, symbolizing the city’s golden age; the back shows a historic photo of the vibrant Parisian art scene.
A subtle, playful detail appears along the exposed spine—deliberately revealing the lower edge like a glimpse of a slender leg beneath a skirt—echoing Eastern aesthetics of understated beauty. The book is bound with East Asian craftsmanship, using exposed spine, hand-sewn threads, and hardcover construction. A fine colored line, under 1mm wide, is printed along each stitched fold—creating the effect of a colored spine against crisp white pages. The monograph showcases a range of refined printing techniques, including custom formats, foil stamping, embossing, hand sewing, and manual assembly.
The guidebook and poster are presented as a collectible set. The guidebook is a compact version of the monograph, consistent in concept and style. The poster functions as elegant wrapping, sealed with a gold foil sticker—conveying a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
The invitation card is designed as a VIP limited-edition postcard. It extends the overall design language while introducing new features, such as a fold-out photo insert and custom format—like a petite, exquisite beauty that echoes the monograph’s spirit while offering its own distinct charm.