Ara of Asa is an interdisciplinary multimedia project that explores the visualization of sound through a collaborative performance and exhibition. The title, derived from native Korean (아침의 파도), translates to “the wave of the morning,” referencing the dual nature of waves as both acoustic vibrations and the rhythmic movement of the ocean. It was presented by Dohoon Kim on November 24, 2024, at Wild Beast, CalArts.
The visual identity is anchored by a dramatic contrast between darkness and light to symbolize the transition from night to morning. This is further expressed through an inverted, mirrored layout where the typography is rotated.
To navigate this split environment, the design uses a rhythmic typographic system featuring Carta Nueva and Ogg Display from Sharp Type. Carta Nueva’s ball terminals serve as a poetic metaphor for musical notes, physically manifesting the rhythm of the soundscape. Across the transition of light and shadow, the typography maintains an organic flow that echoes the fluid qualities found in both water and ambient sound.
