Haiku Poem
Developing dynamic visuals from a haiku poem to effectively interpret what it signifies. This is accomplished by using hierarchy, geometric forms, and non-literal imagery.
Poem
"The lightning flashes,
and through the darkness breaks
a night-heron's screech."
By Matsuo Basho
Implying Basho's words allows me to create a visual representation of this poem. Graphic elements and shapes are used while integrating typography into the images. While exploring and ideating I was able to experiment with different elements to portray his words.
Sketches
Initial sketches exploring patterns, forms, and visual elements inspired by the structure of the poem.
Iterations
Used Adobe Illustrator to translate initial sketches into digital compositions, establishing visual hierarchy through color, opacity, and varied line weight.
Final Visual Identity
Creating a lightning strike with different widths of lines and shapes allows me to effectively imply the imagery that connects to the line "The lightning flashes..." The negative space is also useful in aiding the viewer to reflect on the stanza in the poem.
Alluding to the stanza "and through the darkness breaks..." the usage of the light yellow against the dark blue background makes it stand out. As well as it being broken and cut by varying stroke weight and length.
"...A night-heron's screech" echoes through the disrupted and partial circles that relate to the strokes and forms seen throughout the spreads. Lines and shapes create harmony and balance to accurately express Matsuo Basho's poem.
Final Booklet
Matsuo Basho's poem translated into an abstract visual form through expressive typography, geometric structure, and rhythmic composition
