About this Project
This is the second part of a two-part Final Project for Core 3: Topics
in the BFA Communication Design program at Parsons School of Design,
New York.
Part I of this project took the shape of a book, focusing on the
differing meanings of the same words, colors, and optical illusion
images, shaped by perspective and situational context.
Now
in Part II, the project evolves into a digital work, further
connecting with the book's theme by incorporating columns and subtly
varied typefaces to highlight the parallel yet distinct meanings of a
single form. Where the book emphasized the nuances of spoken language,
this digital exploration shifts focus to the realm of non-verbal
communication— hand gestures and their different interpretations
across cultures.
This work does not seek to define which interpretations are "right" or
"wrong." Instead, it serves as a celebration of diversity, encouraging
us to explore, embrace, and respect the rich tapestry of cultural
nuances.
Thank you for engaging with this project—I hope it sparks curiosity
and fosters an appreciation for the complexity of human expression,
both spoken and unspoken.
Jenna Shon / shony853@newschool.edu
The "peace" sign hand gesture raises the index and middle fingers
while keeping the other fingers folded into the palm, forming a "V"
shape. The thumb typically presses lightly against the folded
fingers or extends slightly outward. The palm's orientation (either
outward or inward) can influence the gesture's meaning.
The "come here" sign hand gesture involves one hand held at chest or
waist level, with the index finger extended and repeatedly curling
inward toward the palm. In some variations, the entire hand moves in
a downward-sweeping motion, with all fingers curling inward
together. The palm can face either upward or downward, depending on
cultural context.
The "corona" sign hand gesture, also referred to as the "Sign of the
Horns",is formed by positioning the hand to resemble a pair of
horns. To create the gesture, the index finger and little finger are
extended straight upward. Meanwhile, the middle finger and ring
finger are curled down toward the palm. The thumb is then pressed
against the curled fingers, securing them in place.
The "OK" sign hand gesture is made by forming a circle with the thumb
and index finger, while the remaining three fingers are extended
upward. The gesture resembles the shape of the letter "O" formed by
the thumb and index finger, with the other fingers creating a
fan-like appearance. The hand is typically held upright, with the
palm either facing outward or inward, depending on the context.
The "thumbs-up" sign hand gesture is made by extending the thumb
upward while keeping the other fingers curled into the palm. The
gesture is typically performed with the thumb held upright and
slightly angled away from the hand. Its meaning can vary across
cultures and contexts, ranging from enthusiastic affirmation to
sarcasm or even insult in certain regions.