Hell Bank Notes Deconstructed WIP

This is a work in progress, part of my final year project for university where I've chosen to explore themes related to religion and culture. The seventh month, or the Ghost Month, is culturally and religiously significant in various Asian communities, especially in Chinese traditions. It's a time dedicated to honoring and providing for our ancestors, ensuring their comfort in the afterlife. Every seven month, I’ve been consistently captivated by the intricate designs adorning bank hell notes. The vivid and disordered amalgamation of colors on these notes intrigued me profoundly, motivating me to embark on a dedicated project centered around their design. My journey commenced with visits to various shops, where I meticulously accumulated an assortment of bank hell notes. Once in possession of this diverse collection, I initiated the process of visually dissecting their elements and intricacies. Additionally, I delved into extensive readings to gain a deeper comprehension of the age-old traditions linked to the practice of burning these notes during the seventh month. One compelling commonality I noticed during my examination of these notes was the prominent presence of the Jade Emperor gracing the front of all the notes. In Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor reigns as the supreme ruler of heaven. Furthermore, I discovered that many of these notes incorporate animals into their designs, a fascinating aspect that piqued my curiosity even further. Hence, I chose to develop an illustrated poster that deconstructs the common elements present in hell bank notes and analyze their symbolism in Chinese mythology. My goal is to unravel the significance behind these notes through a visual exploration of their intricate symbols and meanings.