Vivian Doan

A Study and Collection of Vietnamese Letterforms during French Colonialism

The project visually examines cultural ancestry, tradition, and identity themes through typographic and editorial design. The result is a decorative collection of 29 Vietnamese letterforms with diacritics inspired by historical initial letters and illuminated manuscripts. This decorative alphabet is accompanied by a publication that delves into the history of Vietnamese visual and written language, tracing its evolution during a lengthy period of colonisation and resistance and its current neglected state through documentary archival materials. Just as the concrete hardens and solidifies over time, the project reflects the strength and resilience of Vietnam. The people have suffered colonialism, war, and significant societal changes, yet their cultural identity remains intact and continues to evolve.