The Power Station of Art (PSA) is the first state-run museum dedicated to contemporary art in China. It is also home to the Shanghai Biennale and an important landmark in the city.

The Power Station of Art is a bridge between China and the rest of the world, bringing the world’s most influential international artists to Shanghai. The museum primarily caters to the Chinese audiences, but also wants to be open and welcoming to those who don’t speak Chinese. Thonik ensured that both cultures and languages found a place in a balanced visual style that guides all of the museum’s national and international communication.

We made the museum’s icon, designed by Chinese designer Hope Sun, part of a bilingual logo. The icon itself became a toolbox that comes back in all exhibition communication. This way, every element of the logo can be twisted and turned to create dynamic designs fitting the specific exhibit.

The balance of languages and cultures was translated into a grid. This grid organises all bilingual communication equally, from titles to logos to body texts and footnotes.

The new grid and logotype open the Power Station of Art to the world. With English and Chinese communication balanced out, the museum is ready for the influential place in the Chinese and international art scene it aspires to be. A perfect equilibrium and inspiring interaction of different cultures.

Balancing cultures

Power Station of Art, Shanghai

"We are a generator for urban culture, breaking the barrier between life and art"