Beyond Pain


Book Design
Exhibition Strategy

“Beyond Pain” is an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between art-making and mental health, examining how artists’ personal struggles are reflected in their works. I created the visual identity, layout, and typography, also worked on the exhibition strategy, developing the display concept and experience to engage visitors. Through this project, I aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the transformative power of art while addressing the importance of mental health in the creative community.



The book focuses on how personal struggles influence creativity. The variation in layout also disrupts the smooth reading experience, adding a touch of chaos that enhances the reading experience, immersing readers more deeply into the rich content presented in the exhibition. 

I curated artist profiles, interviews, and exhibition histories for the book to highlight the transformative role of art in healing, self-expression, and perseverance. 






The dominant blue color palette reinforces themes of introspection, melancholy, and emotional depth, echoing both the struggles and resilience of the featured artists. Different saturation levels across the posters create a sense of transition—ranging from deep, intense blues to lighter, ethereal tones—symbolizing the emotional and psychological journey of the artists.





This project taught me the importance of aligning design choices, such as typography and layout, with the emotional tone and message of the subject matter. I learned how to effectively communicate complex concepts through visual storytelling, balancing aesthetics with meaningful content.




© Geyuzhen Zhu 2025