At the unique place-based publishing workshop, we were prompted to delve into the intricate relationship between publishing and place. Abbie Vickress introduced us to several intriguing examples of place-based publishing, each one dissecting the symbiotic link between local communities – their needs and identity – and the published piece. These examples could take various forms, from public statues etched in concrete to posters and more.
As a warmup to our later exercise, we analysed the text passage ‘Grounded Encounters with the Unplanned’ by James Dyer and Nick Deakin, written in their book ‘Graphic Events, A Realist Account of Graphic Design’ (2022). The text discusses the disconnect between the presentation of street graphics, particularly Cuban posters, in a book format and their original context in public spaces. Susan Sontag critiques how these posters lose their intended impact and social context when presented as commodities in a book, disconnected from their lived conditions. Yuriko Saito notes how everyday graphics-related experiences are often overlooked in design discourse. Sontag suggests reimagining these graphics within their original urban settings to appreciate their true significance. The text further explores how designers usually flatten the vitality of street graphics into static representations, lacking the vibrancy of real-life encounters. It proposes a shift in perspective to view graphics in a more embodied and contextualised manner, acknowledging their dynamic presence in everyday life.
Putting our newfound knowledge into practice, we embarked on our own field studies. We roamed the neighbourhood, seeking out diverse instances of place-based publishing and documenting them on an interactive, user-curated digital map. The only caveat was that we couldn’t photograph wayfinding signs. This task proved more challenging than anticipated, as many place-based publishing elements were disguised as wayfinding symbols.
After all, I shot a few examples of place-based publishing, and then we discussed our outcome. Lots of exciting examples appeared.
Ee discussed one piece extensively: a poster hanging in the Coal Drop Yard titled “IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK.” The poster refers to a former music venue that used to be in this location. It showcases multiple pages that look like they were ripped from the wall, thereby revealing the many different layers underneath. This poster became a very place-based and place-referring publication, which helped us learn more about the coal drop yard.
Overall, I really enjoyed the workshop. It helped me build better awareness about place-based publications and, therefore, helped me ideate how I would like to present my work for the graduate showcase.
