she/her
Xuru (Chichi) Zhao
TRANSLATION & REINTERPRETATION
Design is an act of translation—of ideas into form, of concepts into experiences, of one medium into another. This thesis explores how meaning shifts through transformation, whether through scaling an object to extreme proportions, shifting between analog and digital, or reinterpreting typography, space, and materiality. Translation is not just about language but about movement, adaptation, and the evolution of ideas across different states.
Within this broader context, the thesis also examines cultural translation—specifically, how Chinese identity is represented in Western design. Culture is neither fixed nor homogeneous; it evolves through historical, sociological, and individual influences. Through vernacular design—authentic expressions of lived experiences—Translation & Reinterpretation explores how grassroots aesthetics transition into mainstream design trends, often reinforcing stereotypes or distorting meaning. The thesis questions how cultural symbols and narratives are constructed, appropriated, and reimagined, analyzing how immigration has shaped Chinatown’s visual landscape and hybridized identity.
This collection of projects demonstrates how translation in design extends beyond replication—it becomes a tool for inquiry, questioning authorship, perception, and context. Whether transforming letterforms into physical space, translating cultural motifs into interactive experiences, or reinterpreting scale as a narrative device, each project reveals how shifts in medium and perspective create new meanings. Some translations preserve intent, while others abstract or reconstruct, raising critical questions about authenticity and representation.
By integrating my design methodologies, this thesis positions translation as both a conceptual framework and a practical tool. It seeks to uncover how design can dispel stereotypes, honor cultural complexity, and expand creative possibilities, advocating for reinterpretation as a means of discovery and deeper engagement.
Ephemeral, 2024.
Poster, 24 × 18 in.
Masonry, 2023.
Posters, each 36 × 24 in.
Extreme Scale, 2024.
Website.
Observe & Quantify, 2024.
Poster and Risograph prints, 34 × 52 in.
Liminality, 2023.
Foam on acrylic, dimensions variable.