# Project Description Peek-a-Boo XIANXIAN QIAN Summary Final work I’m an illustrator and printmaker based between London and Hangzhou, China, currently studying MA Illustration and Visual Media at LCC. My practice draws inspiration from everyday objects and explores how the visual language of cuteness shapes emotional intimacy and social behaviour. Through playful yet critical experiments in illustration, sculpture, and mixed media, I create poetic scenes that question the balance between comfort and control in visual culture. I’m an illustrator and printmaker based between London and Hangzhou, China, currently studying MA... College London College of Communication Course MA Illustration and Visual Media Graduation year 2025 This project explores the visual relationship between cuteness and the act of looking — how we gaze at cute things, and how they seem to gaze back. I’m interested in how cuteness functions as both comfort and control, shaping emotional connections in daily life. Through observing emoji-like signs in the city, I began to notice how these soft, simplified faces influence behaviour and communication. They are playful, but also directive — guiding our expressions and attention in subtle ways. The project includes a laser-cut and screen-printed installation and a three-colour Risograph zine. Together, they form a visual diary that turns familiar symbols into tactile experiences. Small traps are hidden within the zine, asking readers to question who is really looking — the viewer, or the cute image itself. vimeo:https://vimeo.com/1135896316?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Final work Pee-a-boo A two-part artwork. The top image shows a yellow riso-printed zine titled Peek a Boo , featuring playful text and small cartoon-like illustrations. The bottom image is a mixed-media wall piece shaped like a simplified animal figure with a fluffy tail, printed in purple and yellow tones. It includes layered textures, small symbolic drawings, and collage-like visual elements that explore themes of cuteness and observation. Peek-a-boo (Publication and Accessories) A yellow riso-printed artist’s zine displayed alongside small yellow oval pins. The images show the book being opened to reveal vibrant riso prints in purple, orange, and blue. The illustrations feature imaginative characters, dreamlike interiors, and stair-like forms, exploring the theme of cuteness through layered visual storytelling. The small pins echo shapes and motifs from the zine, connecting the printed narrative with physical, wearable elements. Untitled (Yellow Creature) A wall-mounted artwork printed in yellow and purple tones, shaped like a stylised animal head with geometric and cartoon-like features. The piece is made from layered material, combining sharp angular forms with rounded contours. It includes cut-out holes, subtle line drawings, and printed patterns that create a sense of depth and playfulness. When displayed on the wall, the slight shadow cast by the piece contributes to a feeling of visual displacement and movement. Share this project This project explores the visual relationship between cuteness and the act of looking — how we gaze at cute things, and how they seem to gaze back. I’m interested in how cuteness functions as both comfort and control, shaping emotional connections in daily life.Through ... A link to this page has been added to your clipboard Browse related work Aesthetics Craft & Process Gender