Zehan Li
Email address
moc.qq@0360_hzlBiography
I am a graphic designer from Shenzhen, China. During my three years at university, I developed a strong interest in socially engaged design, while also becoming passionate about exploring cultural design—using graphic design as a medium to showcase the richness of different cultures. In two of my undergraduate projects, I delved deeper into these areas, using visual communication as a tool for dialogue and connection.
Portfolio
Good Brief
I am using illustration and graphic design to create an educational outdoor or remote campaign that helps dispel fears and concerns about kidney donation.
I hope to show that life can still be beautiful and fulfilling with just one kidney. Many people are unable to enjoy this wonderful world simply because they lack one. One kidney—infinite possibilities.
Villain Hitting
During my Major Self Directed Project I focused on cultural and heritage design. One particular aspect of culture that fascinates me is the tradition of ‘Villain Hitting’ (Da Siu Yan).
The primary purpose of this ritual is to drive away bad luck, resolve grievances, and improve fortune by beating a paper effigy that symbolises ‘villains’ or ‘enemies’. This is a traditional Cantonese folk practice in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, China and it has a deep connection to my personal background.
From a psychological perspective, the aim should be to de-emphasise feudal superstitions while highlighting the mental health and stress-relief benefits of traditional culture, reinforcing its positive aspects. Interestingly, within Guangdong province itself, this practice is not as prevalent. In contrast, Hong Kong, despite being a more modern and cosmopolitan city, has managed to preserve this tradition more effectively. Many tourists from mainland China and Taiwan specifically travel to Hong Kong for the ‘beating villains’ ritual, as it is much harder to find in mainland China, where the focus is more on prayer and emotional release.
