Layering Intimacy is a collaboration between Guanyan Wu and Ache C. Wang, a contemporary reimagining of the traditional Chinese dudou 肚兜 (pronounced “Doo-doh,” Pinyin: Dùdōu). This undergarment is traditionally adorned with symbolic motifs representing prosperity and good fortune. The art of making it traditionally belonged to women, who made dudous for their lovers and children.

Guanyan and Ache combine graphic design and digital knitting to create two dudous, each knitted with pictures that carry significant memories from their experiences as two people from the Sino Diaspora. Each dudou features a unique frame made of their Chinese names: 燕 (Yàn, a swallow bird) and 颖 (Yǐng, meaning gifted). What began as a way to reconnect with their Chinese roots has evolved into creating new meanings of care, connection, and belonging beyond traditions.

Graphic design, image-making by Guanyan Wu

Digital programming and knitting design by Ache C. Wang

Photo documentation by Brandon Chow, photo retouching by Ache

Writing and publication design for Layering Intimacy, a collaboration with Ache C. Wang. This publication documents our research, process, and the collaborative making of the project. The writing presents our reinterpretations of the dudou’s symbolic meanings: how its traditional associations with protection, fertility, and care shift in contemporary contexts, especially for marginalized communities. We explore how making the dudou together becomes a way to relate to one another’s diasporic experiences, to share stories, and to build solidarity through making and wearing them.

Visual concept, identity and poster design for “X”, the collaboration between Elevator Radio and Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE)’s in-house editorial team that produced a week-long radio programme of public debates, discussions and interviews at Salone del Mobile in Milan, IT.

The flexible identity contains a logo of a single “X”, with negative spaces in the silhouette of a headphone jack and a pen nib. Embracing “X” as infinite possibilities, the design serves as a canvas open for infinite interpretations. The posters, social media assets, daily radio program covers feature the various drawings of “X” by friends and members of the DAE community.

Media Mentions: Dezeen, Disegno, ED, Het Koninklijk Huis

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Photo Documentation by Ilco Kemmere

The Into Acton Lab is run by the creative agency Taskforce based in Los Angeles and New York. Through their partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, Women’s March and NARAL, the lab has become a creative tool library for activism.
 
I worked alongside over 50 visual artists, making animated GIFs in various styles and themes on a daily basis that followed prompts commissioned by partner organizations.

Here is a showcase of 12 selected GIFs that I made in various styles while working as a Designer, Social Impact at Taskforce.

Studio: Taskforce