Fostering Greater Understanding via Comics

ByWang Shasha December 9, 2020
Fostering Greater Understanding via Comics
Cao Siyu

 

What differences exist between the Chinese and Western cultures? For Paris-based graphic and UI (user interface) designer, Cao Siyu, the answers can easily be found in her "Tiny Eyes Comics," which highlight the cultural differences — based on her own experiences and observations. "I want to tell my own stories, in a humorous and cordial way, and I want to let more people see the real life in China. Through each tiny story, I hope to open a small window between different cultures, so people can see each other as they really are," Cao says.

Cao, a native of Beijing, left home in 2008 to study in the United States and, later, in both the United Kingdom and France. She studied English literature, visual-communication design and design innovation. 

She now runs a visual-thinking workshop in Paris. "In the workshop, we teach people how to express themselves, and to communicate ideas through using images and graphics. The other part of my work is creating Tiny Eyes Comics," Cao says. 

"After staying in the three countries, I have much to tell about the usual shock while adapting to life in new cultures, so I started drawing the online comics to share my experiences and observations," Cao says. "It is not easy to remove cultural barriers, but what we can do is take the initiative to communicate, in a respectful manner, instead of judging by the pros and cons … Every culture seems incredible to others, but that's what makes it interesting," she adds.

Cao's comics — which focus on everyday topics, including food, social customs, family relationships and different ways of thinking — portray the life of a Chinese girl, Tiny Eyes, in a lighthearted way. Since her first illustration, in late 2016, Cao has posted more than 300 comics to her Instagram account, which has attracted more than 41,000 followers.

A book of her comics, Unbridled: The World Seen Through My Chinese Eyes, was published in French in May 2019. The publisher, Equateurs, said of the book, "In a few strokes, Cao Siyu produces scenes of everyday life … and challenges the prejudices and representations we make of each other, deconstructing them with personal anecdotes." Italian magazine, Grazia, wrote, "Her simple sketches have played a big part in demystifying Chinese culture." 

Fostering Greater Understanding via Comics
Unbridled: The World Seen Through My Chinese Eyes

 

One of Cao's illustrations shows how complicated French cutlery compares with the Chinese tradition of using chopsticks. Chinese can use chopsticks to eat almost everything, but, in France, there are various types of fork, knife and spoon required to finish a meal.

Another difference, in diet, between Chinese and Westerners is hot water. In her illustration, Chinese like drinking hot water, as they believe hot water is good for health. While in a French restaurant, sparkling water is usually served before the meal; in the US, the default is generally water with ice.

In addition to food culture, Cao also addresses expressions of love in her comics. Although emotions are universal, how they are expressed can differ between East and West. In her illustration, as an American professes love for her mother directly over the phone, the Chinese girl displays the same sentiment by asking about the health of her mom, and by buying a gift for her.

Cao's comics have fostered greater understanding among people from different countries and cultures. Many foreign readers say they find her illustrations enlightening, and helpful to them in understanding China and Chinese culture. Overseas Chinese, meanwhile, say they resonate with the comics. 

A neurosurgeon in Berlin, who was born in China, but who grew up in Germany and studied in the US and Italy, thanked Cao for her comics. "I really love your comics, they are not only cute and funny, but portray complex and multilayered issues and thoughts in a very intelligent and light way. I can identify with them, but I am sure they are also inspiration for those who have completely different upbringings and cultural backgrounds and that is the beauty of your work."

Fostering Greater Understanding via Comics
Combining interesting daily talk with comics, Cao Siyu's "Tiny Eyes Comics" attracts a large number of readers.

 

A foreign exchange student, who lives in Chengdu, in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, also appreciates Cao and her illustrations. "What a gift reading your comics has been for me. Being so far away from home can be difficult sometimes, especially around the holidays. But reading your comics, and seeing your experiences, is very comforting to me. I have been a fan since I came to China … I look forward to reading more in the future."

Such feedback , and such connections with her readers, have been "the biggest motivation" for Cao. "I will continue to create more Tiny Eyes comics. The book published last year is a collection of the illustrations and four-frame comics that I have posted on social-media platforms. I want to explore new comic forms, and to have more comic books published in the future," Cao says.

 

Photos supplied by Cao Siyu

(Women of China English Monthly October 2020 issue)

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