Square Over Island is a brand visual identity design project for an international art platform, aimed at providing a global stage for young artists, especially those from China, to showcase their talent. The project combines modern geometric design with traditional cultural elements, creating a flexible, inclusive, and highly creative visual system. The “square” symbolizes structure and order, while the “island” represents individuality and creativity, striking a balance between tradition and modernity, structure and freedom

In Chinese culture, islands are not merely independent natural landscapes; they also symbolize spiritual retreat and self-exploration. Within the context of traditional culture, islands are often viewed as sanctuaries beyond worldly affairs, embodying profound Zen philosophy: isolated but not lonely, independent yet in harmony with the universe. Islands represent the inner world of individuals, serving as symbols of seeking inner peace and inspiration amidst chaos, reflecting the pursuit of independent thinking and creative freedom. Geometric shapes, on the other hand, represent rationality, order, and modernity in the language of international design. In contemporary visual design, geometric forms convey precision and structure through their systematic expressions while offering high flexibility and scalability. They emphasize logic and rational thought in modern design while their simplicity and abstract forms convey universal aesthetic values and cultural inclusivity. This design concept aims to combine the Zen philosophy embodied by islands in Chinese culture with the rationality of international geometric design, creating a visual system that is both spiritually rich and modern in style. The three islands—“Explore,” “Create,” and “Immerse”—represent different mental states and stages of creativity, while geometric shapes provide a modular framework that establishes order and structure, offering a solid foundation for artistic expression. This fusion achieves a visual harmony between Eastern and Western aesthetics, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to balancing tradition and modernity, individuality and universality, freedom and structure.

The project has contributed to building an inclusive, diverse, and open artistic ecosystem. Through the innovative design of its brand visual identity system, it has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, providing a platform for young artists worldwide to express creativity and showcase their talents, fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange and collaboration. On a cultural level, the project integrates the Zen-inspired concept of islands symbolizing individuality and self-exploration with the rational thinking embodied by geometric forms in modern design. This approach not only conveys the profound essence of Chinese culture but also presents traditional elements in a contemporary design language on the global stage, promoting cultural diversity. On an industry level, the brand advocates a modular and systematic design approach, exploring the fusion of art with commerce and culture with technology. This model encourages other art platforms to drive industry transformation through innovative thinking, gradually forming a more open and equitable creative environment where artists from diverse cultural backgrounds can access equal opportunities and support.