time asia put out its selection for "best in asia 2006" and named hansheng the "most esoteric magazine." wondering what this is, checked out hansheng as available in the sterling library, and behold, this is so cool!
hansheng started out in 1971 as an english language magazine that introduces chinese cultures to foreingers, then it added a chinese version in 1978 or so. for about 10 years, it still remained the regular magazine type of publicaiton. you can recognize its look from issue to issue (it used a square block/ checkered cover design, 10x12 or so size paper). pretty colorful for magazine of that time. then in early 90s, the magazine changed it direction all together. the english version no longer exists, and each issue focused more specifically on one aspect of the chinese cultural/ethnic arts with indepth research and rare and hard to find photo infos. the design changed even more greatly. each issue has its unique layout, size, and paper material (from rice paper, to colored construction paper to cardboard). each issue becomes a book on its own. the content is very interesting and informative, almost making the issue an archive/encyclopedia on the topic and definitely to be treasured.
i borrowed two issues, the cardboard bound colorfully illustrated #69 on chinese string ties, and the elongated rice paper #63+64 on traditional charcol powder portraits. have been learning a lot already so far.
this is the kind of innovation i've not seen in a magazine. this is the kind of magazine i would LOVE to work for. each issue is a fresh new feeling, presents new challenges for interviews, writing, illustration, photos, and best of all design. i feel like i can fully realize my creative site by tuckling on each issue as a project. hanzheng editors, can i have an internship with you guys?