The past year brought many introductions to artists, including Boston-based graphic designer Chen Luo.

Chen’s practice encompasses typography, performative design, and visual identities, with a focus on printed and digital projects. She is a co-founder of Body&Forma, and teaches at Boston University, SMFA at Tufts, and UMASS Lowell. She has been recognized for her work by Communication Arts, New One Awards, and Design 360°.

We got to know Chen in the context of a project we facilitated for GrubStreet. Recently moving into a new space in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood designed by Merge Architects, GrubStreet partnered with art_works to think of a new way to recognize those who helped construct and launch their new home, GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing.

Enter Chen and The Next Page…

This site-specific vinyl wall covering evokes the various tools and methods storytellers use to support their creative process, such as the seemingly pixelated background reflecting the digital side of writing. Each vibrant color in the piece is inspired by the design palette of the surrounding physical space, reinforcing the connections between GrubStreet’s new home and the community that made it possible. Chen’s design lists the names of over 400 individuals and organizations who supported GrubStreet between 2018 and 2021. 

art_works ❤️’s finding new ways for art to exist in the world. We are grateful to Chen and the GrubStreet community for bringing this innovative vision to life.

[Video description & crediting: Video of Chen Luo talking about the concept and development of The Next Page (2022). Video produced by Olivia Moon Photography/@halfasianlens. Project facilitated by art_works for GrubStreet.]