Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Caught in the Crossfire Exhibition creatively explores the brutality of war and aftermath of people desiring for hope and peace through the eyes of inspiring artists. The Herbert Gallery revealed a wide range of historical and contemporary work of practitioners, showcasing a depiction of war in their own interpretation, revealing the artists pain and pure emotion, that war brought to their work, surfacing an emotional response out of viewers. Below I have carefully selected artwork of practitioners that I found most memorable from the visit, that I truly found moving the way artists have conveyed their own viewpoint of war. Not only reflecting their own individual desire for hope or past experience of pain, but symbolising how soldiers and the people that suffered in war, and are now desperate to move forward, to reconcile.

Simon Norfolk conveys a contrast between the war ruins of Afghanistan, with a vibrant colourful balloon seller. The Balloon's in the photograph acts as a cheerful symbol of hope for the future, giving the people in this community a sign to hope, and move forward onto a promising future, leaving the painful experiences behind. This photograph with the endless sky and rich in colour, gives off the impression of the desire for peace after all this place has been through, a sense of relief it's over, and now it can hold on to hope for a brighter future.

http://nicolagauld.wordpress.com/tag/herbert-art-gallery/

This photograph by Ori Gersht captures the aftermath of war portraying a landscape of hope and desperation to rebuild their lives. The everyday life essentials such as washed clothes, satellite dishes and flowers signify how this community are desperately trying to return to their everyday life and move forward. As much as you try to carry on, the surroundings are still there acting as scars, reminding you of the pain and conflict you had to suffer and go through. Gersht had his own past experiences of going through the tension of war and conflict, which is maybe why he was able to deliver a photograph so pure of pain conveying exactly how he felt for part of his life.

http://www.kennardphillipps.com

The striking visual was collaborated using everyday stuff such as bandages, medals, blood, dust, grit and grime all elements that resembled the destruction of war. Kennard Phillipps also experimented with mixing rags, oils, and ribbons, the art practice was almost a way of releasing their rage of anguish against democracy for causing this war. By looking at the visual, in a way I feel they've tried to resemble the people who fought in bravery of that war, that eventually ended up, beaten, blooded, damaged and now discarded. The torn rags and fractured medal emphasises my viewpoint of resembling how the soldiers have been damaged and hurt physically and mentally. What fascinates me most of all about this artwork, is the use of materials experimented with so widely, to create this outcome. Using materials that link to the war gives the visual image a deep painful meaning, of all the anguish Kennard Phillipps may of felt that democracy had caused the soldiers. 

http://www.kennardphillipps.com

This visual by Kennard Phillipps shows the former Prime Minister mocked up behind the potential burning oil wells which were set on fire by the Iraqis in 2003. Even though it has a sense of humour, this is a depiction  portraying Tony Blair was to blame and responsible for the Iraq War. Blair's facial expression shows his lack of thought for all the deaths created due to the decision he made. This visual's purpose, was to confront and insult the politicians (Tony Blair in particular) for the decisions they've made, which erupted in mayhem and death.  The selected photo of Tony Blair shows his lack of remorse for all the pain and death he caused, however it's been done in a humorous way mocking politicians and their preposterous decisions they've made.

http://www.andrehn-schiptjenko.com/wp/siobhan-hapaska/

Siobhan Hapaska demonstrates how a wide range of ethnicities and races are taught in education together, which is such a contrast reflecting back to the past divisions, causing Catholics and Irish protestants to be educated separately. This photograph conveys how races and ethnicities have congregated, showing hope of a positive future in peace together. By portraying different races and ethnicities together in a peaceful calm environment, represents that this community have come together and have regained peace, showing sign of no divisions to come.

Alfred Leete By Steph

Alfred Leete has to be one of the most influential designers of all time, that has inspired so many practitioners, by creating one of the most iconic communication pieces in history. Alfred Leete was an exceptionally talented designer who had his first cartoon accepted by the Daily Graphics when he was just 16, then he went on to work for a series of magazine's including the Punch Magazine.

http://www.magforum.com/mens/london-opinion.htm

Above is an illustration created by Alfred Leete that was used in the Punch Magazine, to promote young men to volunteer to fight in the war. This illustration was specifically designed to make people feel inferior if they don't join the war. The illustration to the left shows a man who hasn't joined the war, insinuating he's degraded as a person because of not joining on the war, and he's alone because people will look down on him and think less of him. The soldier to the right is such a contrast, his posture shows his self pride for joining the war, and his presence has such an impact on women, they just cant get enough of him, bewitched by his courage for fighting for his country. 

The way the visual image communicates how you will be perceived if you don't volunteer for the war is so powerful and distinct, certainly any man wouldn't want to be the lonely degraded man on the left. This poster encourages you to become a soldier, by implying to men that women will find you so attractive for being so brave, giving them an incentive to join.

http://www.magforum.com/mens/london-opinion.htm

Alfred Leete is profoundly known for his 'Your Country Needs You' poster of Lord Kitchener that encouraged so many young men to volunteer to fight in the Great War (1914-1918). Alfred Leete's design originally appeared on London Opinion cover, which was the most inspirational magazine covers of all times that inspired people all over the world. The gesture of Lord Kitchener pointing out to you almost feels likes he's personally pointing at you making you feel so involved in the visual image, like it's aimed at you, you almost feel obliged to go join and make a difference. With such a strong gesture and the use of white space, helping add emphasis to Lord Kitchener delivers such a powerful message. The message was delivered successfully with the use of visual hierarchy. The image captures your attention, then you read the quote 'your country needs you' encouraging you to act upon volunteering to fight in the war.

http://s-pritchard1013-cts.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/lecture-2-graphic-design-medium-for.html

Alfred Leete's work was widely imitated by many other countries and practitioners, however still possessing the same characteristics of Leete's poster. A very stern masculine man incorporated in this American poster resembling the way Lord Kitchener appears. The same hand gesture shows it's implying the same message as Leete's work, reaching out to the public. Each imitation of the pose of Lord Kitchener seems to have the same chiseled jaw, an attractive feature, suggesting you'll be perceived as attractive if you join the army gaining attention from women, reflecting back to Alfred Leete's illustration for punch. Each imitation of the poster is adapted in different ways still adopting the main characteristics. The imitations tend to be a lot deeper and bolder, within the choice of typefaces and injecting colour into the design work as it's created in a later period. Overall I believe Alfred Leete's work was so inspirational purely because of how he visually communicated in such a strong language, that it encouraged people to take action once they had viewed his communication piece. The only way a design piece in my eyes is successful, if it makes viewers act up on it, which is exactly what Leete achieved through his work, he made a difference.

Stop Motion by Tim Allen

Tim Allen was always captivated by art, but wasn't sure what sense of direction he should follow, until he attended an open day at a university, by chance he stumbled on to discover an animation course which lead him to pursue a direction that lead him to happiness.

http://www.timallenanimation.co.uk/animators-cv

Tim Allen now specialises in stop motion animation, which is essentially a series of photographs, where in each photograph there will be enough movement to create an illusion to viewers of motion. 25 frames per second (25 photographs per second), are enough photographs to provide the illusion of natural movement and motion. This process is very time consuming which is usually why the series of animation are a short duration. Stop motion is usually used in children's TV series to animate cartoons, which is where Tim Allen had the honour of first doing work experience when he recently graduated, of animating the characters in Bob the Builder using the technique of stop motion. 

http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/bob-the-builder/photo-gallery-detail/EP00326087/282141?aid=zap2it

To be given the opportunity to gain experience or be given job placements in TV series you had to create a showreel, that showcases a collection of your work designed to specifically grab the viewers attention, to entice them to see more of your work. Even though I specialise in graphic design, creating a showreel is completely irrelevant towards me, however the advice on how to order your work, I felt I could apply this arrangement in my portfolio. Tim Allen advised animators to have the beginning and especially the last shot of your showreel to be your best work, which I completely agree, as the last shot is what viewers are most likely going to remember, so it needs to be the most captivating powerful shot/communication piece that should be saved for the end in order to deliver a memorable showreel/portfolio.

http://www.ovguide.com/tv_season/fireman-sam-season-5-73517

http://puppetsandclay.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/el-nombre-1994-2003.html

Tim Allen has gained an incredible amount of experience by animating and directing in vast amounts of different series such as Shaun the Sheep, Fireman Sam, Postman Pat, and even El Nombre. When developing the stop motion for different TV series, you have to develop all aspects, such as developing the style of the character, creating the set, and lastly writing the script. Tim Allen talked about how the way the puppets are positioned is key, so you don't get the eyes out of focus. Another thing to consider when positioning the puppets, is that you have to make sure you don't get bad shadows or overcast. 

The talk given by Tim Allen gave me a much deeper insight into stop motion, and made me realise how time consuming this process really is. For Tim having such passion for making things, is partly the reason why he could commit so well to creating the sets for the characters and developing the style. Every detail is considered, to deliver the characters movement to be most realistic as possible, complimenting their personality and style, which Tim Allen did effectively. 

Design Hero's by David Osbaldestien

David showcased a vast range of practitioner's that he found most influential, briefly mentioning Tony Arefin, a graphic designer who dominated the creative industry in the 1990's. I took the privilege of seeing his creative work being displayed in the Ikon art gallery late last year, which widely influenced my current practice at the time. 

"Condoms are CHEAP if we'd used one, I wouldn't have to tell my parents i'm pregnant."

"All it took was one PRICK to get my girlfriend pregnant. At least that's what her friends say."

"Now that i'm home with a baby NOBODY calls me anymore."

Here I photographed an awareness campaign for teenage pregnancy, that I found incredibly moving. It's such a sensitive social issue that's being surfaced in such a powerful way, as people can relate to these posters representing there self, or how they feel about a companion, it gains an emotional response out of the public. The use of strong vocabulary, would capture the society's attention, the word 'cheap' has almost been given a double meaning in this communication piece, as condoms are also cheap, but being pregnant as a teenager may also make you feel cheap by having a one night stand, and to others they may look down on you labelling you as cheap if you get pregnant when your a teenager. 

The photography helps emphasise the thought of the teenager perceiving herself as cheap, the use of facial expression portrays she's regretting the situation she has got herself into. The use of photography combined with typography helps give deeper meaning to the visual imagery. The photography selected by Tony Arefin visually communicates how the teenagers feel about the consequences,  and with the use of such strong opinionated vocabulary, it almost portrays to the public if you become pregnant as a teenager you will feel all these emotions, and be looked down as a cheap prick, that's a nobody.

The word 'cheap' being done in capitals helps create a powerful dramatic statement, to capture the attention of the public. The use of red creates a strong contrast against the background and photography, helping the typography become legible and eye-catching. By choosing such strong words, that are very personal to viewers, will gain viewers attention and arouse emotion within viewers by being able to relate to this social issue.

Tony Arefin was profoundly known for the use of bold visual language in his work, as well as the sharp colours chosen to enhance attention towards his striking typography. 

The use of an unusual colour palette choice in this design, develops an eye-catching visual, drawing attention towards the typography. The use of a bold capital typeface, helps create a powerful dramatic message. The white typeface has being purposely  outlined with a slight black background to create maximum contrast against the acerbic coloured background. The use of white space helps put all emphasis onto the type, intriguing viewers on the controversial message left to gain a response out of viewers, to debate the message with the public and friends, which will lead towards the communication piece being talked about, gaining free publicity.

The visit to the Ikon gallery undoubtedly, was the most influential visit I have ever had of discovering a practitioners work. Tony Arefin lead me to become so much more open minded to when selecting different typefaces and colour choices in my practice, as after viewing his work it made me realise I restrict myself to certain typefaces and colour choices, I need to take more risks and be more experimental.  Lastly the most important aspect of Tony Arefin's work that I believed was such an eye opener, was how some of his work had controversial statements made, or very opinionated views on certain social aspects. By being so opinionated it leaves the public to openly discuss and debate their thoughts on the message he's delivered in his communication piece. I feel that by making such a bold statement this erupts a debate, which is a great way to enhance publicity on your work, with it being up for discussion if it's right or wrong.

Animation by Peter Chung

After studying animation at university, Peter Chung went on to work as a layout and storyboard artist on a range of  children TV series such as Rugrats, Ring Raiders, and Transformers. However Peter Chung felt limited to what he could create due to it being aimed at children, so he began to create his own animation series 'Aeon Flux' that was aired on late night television for MTV that gave him the opportunity to visually portray what he wanted due to having an older target audience.  

https://deecrowseer.wordpress.com/2008/02/22/flummoxed-by-flux/

Originally they began as a short five minute series of animation without dialogue, as Peter Chung wanted the animation to be visually communicated in its purest form, giving viewers the freedom to insinuate what the character speaks like and sounds, due to her seductive appearance. The series oozed with sexuality and violence, which is a complete contrast to what he originally illustrated for children's TV series. The female character 'Aeon Flux' was a self motivated spy, where in the series you are introduced to the character in the middle of action or near the end of Aeon Flux's mission, which completely broke the conventional three act structure rule. However by starting where the action is taking place and the character is trying to overcome and obstacle or resolve a situation makes you concentrate extremely, trying to interpret the storyline of what her motivation is, and caught up in the suspense of violence. Another rule Peter Chung broke in his 5 minutes series, was the Character died at the end of every series, which is very unconventional as usually the main character survives each episode. The appearance of Aeon Flux was dressed to purposely seduce the viewers to keep them watching. 

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=226635

Eventually the series developed into 22 minute episodes that contained dialogue to help enrich the experience for viewers, where Aeon Flux survived each episode. Peter Chung's main intention for each series was to gain an emotional response from viewers when looking at the animation, as he didn't want viewers to just look at it, he wanted the public to feel involved. 

Overall I feel Peter Chung had such a fascinating approach towards animation, due to breaking the rules, it made his work fresh.  By being given this lecture on animation, it demonstrated the power of visual communication, as there's weeks worth of illustrations to develop the characters style, environment, and character. This lecture has influenced me to pursue practice of drawing, to help develop my drawing skills further, as this will enable me to become a better visual communicator.

Information Design by Colette Jeffrey

“Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read”

Leo Burnett, advertising executive

Information design is a way of communication to inform. It's problem solving how to make information easier for viewers to digest and understand. By simplifying information and eliminating the unnecessary, can help make an information design successful. The use of visuals, typography, colour, layout, and structure are all essential parts that contribute in creating a successful information design. If these elements are executed in a successful way to viewers, they will be enticed to read the message, due to it being simplified in a creative way that attracts viewers.

http://www.grundini.com/#!/project/the-g2-graphic/pets-6708116187

Information design can be any form of communication that's designed to inform, here is an example of an infographic by Peter Grundy. In this particular infographic Peter Grundy has designed to inform viewers about recycling for the Guardian. The creative experiments and explores different ways of communicating information in a simplified way. Visual imagery is used to represent what the piece of communication is about for viewers to understand. The use of creative graphs and bar charts are used to simplify information and statistics in a much more creative way, and prevents having columns of text. The visuals being created in such a clean cut way helps make the image clear of what it's representing. The use of colour helps make certain parts of the information more eye-catching, by having colour well balanced across the whole of the infographic, helps entice viewers to read all parts of the infographic. In all of Peter Grundy's work he has developed a consistent style by the way he illustrates his visuals, helping create a strong identity of his work.

http://www.coroflot.com/holley_codner/type-posters

Typography is also a crucial element when creating information design. Neville Brody is profoundly known for using the typeface 'Insignia' that he created. The typeface has adopted aesthetics of Art Deco, that has been given a modern twist. The legibility of a typeface is essential, as it helps viewers read the information clearer, by having such a bold clean cut type face, Insignia is widely used to communicate information due to being so legible. The use of grid structure and columns are consistently used to help break down text so it's easier to digest. The use of white space and colour in this particular visual helps create a visual hierarchy, making you read information in a particular order. 

Overall, the use of researching into information design I found most useful, as this helped me remind myself of all the different elements you can use to inform people in a creative way. I will explore all elements in the future, when i'm designing to inform, to help me create the most effective communication piece thats full of creativity. 

   

Great Art Direction by Ros Sinclair

In today's society we are bombarded by complexity of hundreds of communication messages, and very little are noticed. Simplicity is rare, but powerful. If a simple message is executed in a clear way that people understand, the message will be successfully received. However by delivering a simple message, you need to make sure you deliver the communication in an original way, otherwise the visual may perceived as a cliche and become boring. A successful simple message will connect to viewers on an emotional level, and gain an emotional response. 

http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2004/volkswagen/#.UUm78s3ud8d

Throughout the Lecture Helmut Krone's advertising campaign visuals we're the most memorable piece of communication, due to how the creative stripped the idea down, making the idea obvious but powerful. The layout of the communication is what made the design so memorable, by having such an unusual layout, creates an unforgettable visual. The use of 'white space' helps draw attention to the clear message 'think small', with the car reinforcing that message in a visual way.  

The way the visual communication is composed shows Helmut Krone was a lover of Design hierarchy. By having a white background against the black typography 'think small',  creates maximum contrast making your eyes drawn to that specific part first, then the use of white space, endears viewers to the car, implying the clear message in an unusual layout. Lastly your then drawn to the information at the bottom curious why you should 'think small'. Implementing a design hierarchy in your work, helps you be in control of what information you want viewers to digest first, by delivering the clear powerful message first, will entice readers to then go on and read the information below about volkswagen.

The conventional way for advertising campaigns to communicate cars, was to have the visual image of the car taking up the majority of the page, shown in an over powering way. By Helmut Krone having such an unusual layout of the car being small with large amounts of white space, makes the layout much more intriguing and differs from competitors. Overall I feel this piece of communication amplifies a clear message in an unusual way, making this advertising campaign simple, but different.

This advertising campaign created by BBH agency in London, has recently been one of the most successful communication advertising pieces i've seen. The way the message has been visually simplified delivering the benefits of the s7 to viewers without using and image of a car makes this communication different. The use of animals to represent the two different speeds this car can achieve, amplifies the power of the car. The use of white space, colour choices, and layout are done in a highly sophisticated way reflecting the style of Audi. I believe this communication has adopted the same qualities that Helmut Krone used, by delivering a clear message in a simplified way with the use of white space and design hierarchy.  The use of white space helps put all focus on the visual image for viewers to decode the message. then the message is elaborated in typography to help reinforce the message and benefits of the Audi s7.

 By advertising for such a well known brand BBH agency knew people would recognise the brand by just the logo, which has given them the freedom to create a clear message in an unconventional way. The design is done with such clarity, delivering a simple message, in a different way. Overall I've learnt  it's about getting rid of the obvious pieces of an idea, and stripping it down to the minimum making it different, then adding a powerful clear meaning, that will captivate the viewers attention delivering memorable messages and gaining an emotional response.

'Simple but Different'