ICMWS — Bernice Wong

I CHOOSE MUSIC WITHOUT A SCORE [ICMWS]

2025

TYPE

MA THESIS PROJECT, RISOGRAPH PUBLICATION

ROLE

CREATIVE DIRECTION, GRAPHIC DESIGN, PRINT, BOOK-BINDING

I Choose Music Without A Score, also titled ICMWS, is a publication made of multiple components. It forms part of a broader research project I pursued at the Royal College of Art Visual Communication MA program, examining the boundary between symbol and language.

The project utilizes geographical space as a starting point and overarching metaphor to challenge the routines and structures that govern language. The main methods used are hypothetical language production and participatory meaning-making.

Then Metamorphose, 2025
Digital print and interactive sheets with ongoing participation

Through mapping and iterative processes, pseudo-linguistic forms emerge - portraying the inherent instability of written language and inviting reflection on how language can be used, constrained and reinvented. Within the pages of this publication, a hypothetical language system is displayed and deconstructed.

This work was exhibited at the RCA 2025 Festival of Communication in tandem with Then Metamorphose, 2025 - an interactive floor piece that invites collective meaning-making and character invention.

The publication comprises of 5 components, each focused on a particular dimension of the hypothetical typographic system.

Images are large. Wait one moment for them to load.

(1) Introductory Card - An introduction of the intention and concept behind the publication

(2) The Main Booklet - Presents every character with associated definition

(3) The Brushstrokes Booklet - A suggestion of the stroke-order logic, writing method and imagined historical writing customs

(4) The Etymology Booklet - Indicates the hypothetical evolution of character forms, referencing historical developments and morphological connections

(5) Overview - Displays all characters for an at-a-glance reference

Excerpt of The Etymology Booklet

Excerpt of the Overview

Risograph printing creates beautiful colours and effects on different paper. Below are some tests on various paper stock and additional experiments.

hello@bernicewong.com

Index Next →