The RISD Museum has mounted a fantastic new design show which will take the average fan several trips to absorb.
“Graphic Design: Now in Production”explores some of the most vibrant graphic design work produced since 2000, including magazines, newspapers, books and posters; the expansion of branding programs for corporations, institutions and subcultures; the entrepreneurial spirit of designer-produced goods; the renaissance in digital typeface design; the storytelling potential of film and television titling sequences; and the transformation of raw data into compelling information narratives.
There’s advertising, signage, typography, and lots of poster art of course, and don’t miss the book covers and the video of the chalk-drawing robot both as you walk in. In the main room take time to check out the wall of gorgeous ink on paper death/black metal band logos executed by Christophe Szpajdel. The wall text informs us that in exchange for the artwork this Belgian Lord of Logos “. . . only asks in return copies of the CDs with his work printed on them.” (Someone from the English department should vet the wall texts.)
There is a very cool interactive project from Jürg Lehni — Make your own Empty Words Poster — which runs from 11am to 3pm on Sundays. Limit one per patron; I was informed that there is usually a line. You will go home with something very awesome.
“Graphic Design” through August 3rd (website says 10th), RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street/20 North Main Street (directions), free admission Sundays