the posters.

Mettez le casque. Ou priez. Put on the helmet. Or pray.
Poster Standee, Vevey

Object Poster. A very minimal, stark image. Clear cut type, clear message, clever concept. The concept is quite clever once translated. The orange helmets form hands that “pray”. It is a strong message about safety and definitely an image that causes viewers to stop because of its unfamiliar look (viewpoint). It is almost a puzzle or riddle to decipher and takes a second glance. The imagery looks like a simple but very clear and vivid photo. At 55 it’s simple white and bright orange catch the eye and form enough of a picture to cause question as to its content and meaning. I think also at this point one could probably read the type causing further confusion about the image. At 5 the image because clear. Helmets definitely. But with another glance the helmets also resemble hands placed in prayer. At 5 inches the detail of the image is seen as well as the fine print sponsor information. The majority of the image, concept, and design of the poster is successful at 5 feet. I was initially attracted by the striking image, the clean layout. Then it held my attention as I tried to figure it out. I believe this poster is very successful with all the information and translation (for me at least). It causes one to think about the message, and then hopefully about their involvement in or disregard of the idea of wearing a helmet.




Passions d’oranges Papiers d’agrumes. “Passions of oranges, papers of citrus fruit” (rough translation…)
Poster Standee, MUDAC, Lausanne.

Postmodern, International. Postmodern in the fact that it is playful, complex and illustrated (images). International in the fact that it follows a definite grid and has sans serif typeface. The concept (to me) follows that of paper, seals, and how they are used to wrap fruit. All the illustrations and parts of the whole have a boutique paper feel to them, almost a texture and pattern resembling fine paper. The variety and number of them feel like many different kinds of fruit with their bright colors and some even have fruit pictured in them or about fruit in general. Functioning as a exhibit advertisement this poster grabbed my attention with it’s beautifully colored illustrations and grid like layout of them. The impact of the different images was the 55 for me, creating almost an optical allusion. At 5 feet the type is read, understood, (especially the practical information of date and time at the bottom of the poster) and the images are beginning to make sense as identity, seals, etc… This poster is especially interesting at 5 inches because the detail of the images is now appreciated and type read within these tiny pictures. I was attracted to this poster again because of the color and grid layout. I especially appreciated the beauty of the images with a closer look and tried to duplicate a few in my sketchbook. I could see it successful if it is fact what I believe it to be. The attention it grabs with its attractive layout, color, and illustrations along with its clever and curious title gets enough interest for a second and closer look in which one finds the exhibit information, dates, and times available at the bottom of the poster.




Print Basel (Sorry for the unfortunate photograph. I only found this poster in a construction zone…)
Poster column, Marketplatz, Basel.

International. Grid based. Sans serif type (majority) BUT interestingly flush right and left. Also a vertical type layout across the horizontal forming a grid in itself. No photography but definitely no illustration. Very clean and ordered, stark, and strictly type based. In the event that it is layered text could draw on postmodern influences. The concept is that again of an informational poster. Informing the public of a contemporary graphic works of art fair called “Print Basel”. The only other information is the date, place, and a web point. Also there is some more flush left ragged right very small print information in the lower left with what I am assuming as sponsor information. I believe the concept is a focus on the work—the play on words and influence type and graphic art have on Basel. Its stark presentation leaves room for the other great works one would find at this “Print Basel”. It reflects a work of graphic art in itself. Produced by a layout program I assume, no illustration, photography, or collage of any kind. At 55 the juxtaposition of the type and the color read attract the eye and a curiosity as to the meaning or purpose behind the poster. At 5 feet all the information but the fine sponsor information is readable and understandable, also noticebly in English. The layout and overlap is appreciated as well as the contrast between the heavy san serif “print” to the serifed “Basel”. At 5 inches the sponsorship information is readable as well as the rest of the poster. I was initially attracted by the subject of graphic art and the interesting layout. I would guess someone like me who has a background in the subject would notice these things and have their interest grabbed quicker and more effectively than someone else. If their intent as to attract designers, I believe this poster to be successful. If it was designed to attract non designers, I don’t know that it would have had as much of a striking effect. It is a little sparse and vague I think for that.

there you go Bob. And here is my name. Natalie Hartley