Poan
Page Ten - We each have ways that, to some, may seem strange.
My name is Poan, and I am a Taiwan-based illustrator. I use soft palettes and coloured pencils as my primary tools. My illustration celebrates the movement and warmth of humanity, capturing the essence of awkwardness in everyday life. Resonating with daily life's awkwardness, my illustrations reflect the quirks and nuances of human posture and movement. I would like to inspire viewers to embrace their uniqueness and find joy in unexpected moments. With an optimistic colour palette, I convey the magic of humanity, inviting others to appreciate the beauty in our imperfections.
I particularly loved seeing Poan's sketches and drafts done before the final polished piece, and I asked if he would be happy to share them for the book. The drafts symbolise that life is strange, it can feel messy, and it is ever-changing. By sharing the progression and evolution of the drawing as it comes to life, it not only shows the work that goes into the final piece but also represents the transformations we each go through in time with life. I also asked if he could address ageism by incorporating different stages of life to show the completion that comes with old age.
Instead of applying the typical Human Evolution kind of perspective, I was inspired by Edward Muybridge's photography of the jumping motion. It creates a narrative with not only the ageing/ time-passing process but also a layer of dramatic tension. Also, instead of the walking cycle, I believe that this jump motion reflects that "we each have ways that to some may seem strange". - Poan
not set in our ways
If we remember that life is an experience, not a performance, we can embrace this dance with life and not hide our quirks or shy away from difficulties or differences.
We can be adaptable, and open, and even learn to love our own 'strangeness' and the strangeness of strangers.
Website: https://panpoan.com/
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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/poanpan
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poan.pan/
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https://graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk/projects/198735/cover
