In response to the Chinese New Year, I made an illustration related to the Chinese New Year celebration. Based on the Chinese horoscope or zodiac (shio), 2019 is the year for zodiac earth pig.
In the greeting of the Chinese New Year, giving red packet is one of the traditions that has become part of life of the Chinese community. Red envelopes or red packages are given at social and family gatherings such as weddings or holidays such as Chinese New Year.
The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is a symbol to drive away evil spirits. In Chinese, The act of asking for a red package is usually called tao hongbao. As a Chinese-Javanese Indonesian, my illustration concept takes reference from the visual culture of China and Java.
Some of decorative elements from Chinese culture are combined with illustrations of a Babirusa head. Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) is an endemic fauna from the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This pig has a uniqueness that is not owned by other types of pigs. There is a fang that sticks up from the lower jaw of the deer's mouth. The existence of Babirusa as a typical Indonesian fauna made me choose this animal as a symbol of year of the pig.
Pig head illustrations made in traditional Javanese style. Visual from Javanese shadow puppet is the main reference for making pictures of pig heads. The choice of this style reflects Indonesia's local wisdom which is represented by one of the regions that represents a fairly strong visual culture, Java island.
The Chinese-Javanese visual mix which is the main concept of hong bao's illustrations is a symbol that represents Chinese New Year celebrations in Indonesia, especially on Java.
Happy Chinese New Year 2019, Year of the Pig.
