Here’s something awesome for you Ricepaper readers: Media Artist Nicholas Hanna built a tricycle that can also paint Chinese characters on the ground as it moves, just — because.
Water Calligraphy has a long history in China, normally characterized by older Chinese men painting characters on the ground of parks with long brushes and water.
Nicholas’ version is a wee bit more complicated.
Watch the video: http://vimeo.com/29414931#
Learn more about this project here.
For those interested in what Nicholas is writing: they are Dongcheng District Propaganda phrases roughly translated as:
营造 未成年人健康成长的良好环境
Create a good environment for minors to grow up healthy
文明从脚下起步 奉献从身边做起
Civilization comes from every individual, to contribute from every little thing
树文明新风 做文明市民
Be a civilized citizen and build a civilized new atmosphere for constructing s cultured and civilized city
共建文明城区 共享美好家园
Build a civilized city for everyone to share a beautiful home altogether
做文明有礼北京人 建和谐魅力新东城
Be civilized and polite Beijingers, to build a harmonious charm new Dong Cheng district together
美德贵在坚持 文明重在行动
Virtue shows through long term persistence, civilization reflects by actions
和谐东城 你我共建
Harmonious Dong Cheng District constructed by you and me
建全国文明城区 做东城文明市民
Constructs the national civilized district, to be the civilized citizen of Dong Cheng District