Challenging the Boundaries of Riso Printing
We are thrilled to present Chronicles of Nezha, a series of Riso-printed artworks inspired by the Chinese legend of 哪吒 Nezha, the Third Lotus Prince (蓮花三太子). Created as part of Riso: A Beautiful Mess, this collective exhibition brings together the imaginative works of three local risograph studios—Bang Bang Zine, Hasuriso, and Inkling Studio—all exploring the theme of Blossom. Each piece in this series reinterprets Blossom as a story of growth, transformation, and the resilience of legend.
Wall Piece: Chronicles of Nezha
At the heart of the exhibition is Chronicles of Nezha by Zhao Hong, a striking wall piece that interprets Blossom through the legendary rebirth of Nezha. Known as the 'Third Lotus Prince,' Nezha’s transformation is represented in a large flower and leaf-shaped frame, with each petal capturing a pivotal moment in his journey: his parents’ devotion, his confrontation with Ao Bing (the East Dragon King’s son), and his ultimate sacrifice to save his family and village.
In the center, Nezha is reborn, holding his iconic weapons—the Red Armillary Sash (混天綾), Universal Ring (乾坤圈), Wind Fire Wheels (風火輪), and Fire-tipped Spear (火尖槍)—and showing his divine powers of Three Heads and Six Arms (三頭六臂). The lotus pond around him symbolizes his rebirth, while red-crowned cranes represent the guidance of his master, 太乙真人 Taiyi Zhenren.
Creating this piece presented unique challenges, as Zhao Hong started with a template of flower and leaf shapes and A3-sized Riso printing. Dividing the piece into panels using Nezha’s Red Armillary Sash allowed each part of the story to be illustrated on separate petals, which were then assembled seamlessly. The five-week process involved sketching, file setting, drawing, sourcing paper, printing, and assembling—all while managing three drawing software programs and adapting to the nuances of Riso. The end result is a vibrant, cohesive work that honors the spirit and cultural significance of Nezha’s legendary rebirth.
Pop-up Postcards: Blooming Lily and Radiant Lotus
In line with Nezha’s theme of rebirth, Shin Chi designed two interactive pop-up postcards—Blooming Lily and Radiant Lotus—that bring Nezha’s story to life in a playful, tactile format. The journey of creating these cards involved numerous mockups to perfect the paper mechanics, ensuring each fold and layer contributed to the final effect. Adjusting measurements through trial and error and selecting the ideal paper were crucial steps in bringing these designs together.
As a special addition, each design is also available as a DIY kit for those who love crafting their own pop-up postcards. This hands-on approach lets audiences explore the story of Nezha in a personal, engaging way.
Flipbook Animation: Lotus Reincarnate
Lotus Reincarnate, a flipbook animation created by Zhao Hong, captures the essence of Nezha’s transformation through simple yet evocative Riso-printed frames. This is Zhao Hong’s first foray into animation, with each page flip unveiling a moment of Nezha’s legendary rebirth from the lotus. To add a playful touch, stickers featuring key frames from the animation were also created, appealing to customers who enjoy collecting or using Nezha-inspired art in a more interactive way. Alongside the flipbook, a contact sheet displays the full animation sequence in a spread format, enhancing the experience of Nezha’s journey.
Magic Zine: Lotus Awakening
A silent comic magic zine, Lotus Awakening, tells the story of Nezha’s resurrection by his master, Taiyi Zhenren. This zine unfolds to an A3-sized piece, revealing each phase of Nezha’s transformation in panels that blend cultural symbolism and vibrant colors. On the back of the paper, a special feature awaits: the line art of the wall piece Chronicles of Nezha, allowing viewers to explore the intricate details of Zhao Hong’s main work in its purest form. This addition invites readers to connect both pieces, enhancing the storytelling experience of Nezha’s journey.
Poster: Nezha Animation / Color Chart
Finally, the Nezha Animation / Color Chart serves dual purposes as both a Riso DUO color guide and an animation display of Nezha’s rebirth. Showing a range of Riso ink color combinations, this piece functions as a resource for Riso printing enthusiasts and as a decorative A4 poster that showcases frames from the animation.
Experience Chronicles of Nezha
Each piece in Chronicles of Nezha brings a unique perspective to the theme of Blossom, celebrating Nezha’s legendary rebirth through the vibrant medium of Risograph printing.
