From Graphic Design to Image Culture

I’m from a Graphic Design background. I was educated in Graphic Design when there were, as yet, no computers. No InDesign for easy type setting, no Photoshop for manipulating pictures. No Illustrator to create smooth logos.

My design work has a highly recognisable style that I have developed over time. I worked as designer from 1990 onwards. Initially, much of what I did was for the theatre world and that quickly moved into the field of new media and internet. The future of our (technological) culture and the culture politics associated with it has had considerable influence on my work. My recognisable style tends towards a sort of pamphlet aesthetic which I applied in the context of new developments in the media. The consequences of design software that introduced standards in design were always a fascination for me. It is the very opposite of the artistic power that an individual can use to make something exceptional. The standardisation in making image changes the position and significance of art and design. Original styles, developed in the 20th century are the new materials for artists. A completely new visual language has emerged based on referencing, mixing and manipulating existing material.

Below are a few of my (graphic design) works, demonstrating that strong recognisable style.