News 08.09 / EyeSaw 2009

Led by the Australian Graphic Design Association, EyeSaw is an annual event that runs as part of SydneyDesign, a 16 day festival now in its thirteenth year. Each year graphic designers are asked to respond to a specific theme with a piece of visual communication; the responses are displayed in Omnibus Lane, a busy byway just minutes from the Powerhouse Museum. This year, for the first time, studios from across Australia and New Zealand were invited to submit their work. We were delighted to be part of this list, responding to a theme of ‘Humanity/Equality’.

Transplanting one’s work from the comfort of a commercial graphic design context (i.e. work that sells something), into a non-commercial art context (i.e. work that says something), is a challenging and enlightening experience. We were determined to enjoy such a unique opportunity and, despite some inevitable stalling at the initial creative stage, the outcomes installed on a windy Sydney Saturday brought us considerable satisfaction. Thanks again to Mark Gowing, EyeSaw’s guiding hand, for asking us to be involved, and also to Copy Captain for the digital printing.

(DH)

/Back to Text

Approach 1: This first concept explored the universal language of flags. The assemblage of ensigns cumulate as a totem to form a graphic expression of world unity.

Unable to visit the site prior to installation, Google Streetview helped us identify a suitable home for our 'totem' poster, a pole located at one end of the lane.

Approach 2: For almost 40 years Arthur Stace, a reformed alcoholic, wrote the word ‘Eternity’ on footpaths across Sydney after a religious epiphany. The distinctive script has subsequently become an iconic symbol for the city.

By altering the text subtly, we arrived at a simple but compelling message.

We decided to chalk the script in reverence to Arthur Stace. A stencil was required because of the scale of the drawing.

The final result bathed in an ethereal glow. We hope Arthur would be pleased.

Our day’s work continued; we also installed Studio Pip and Co’s 4 sheet poster.