Artists, designers, illustrators and photographers from around the world have been tasked to re-design the covers of books that have influenced them. A few creatives from Asia tell Indesignlive.asia about their entries.
April 22nd, 2013
Held recently in separate locations during the Singapore Design Society Festival (see our report here), the idea behind the project was to re-introduce these books into mainstream culture.
The complete collection has now gathered at the Kult gallery in an exhibition that’s being held from 25 April to 25 May. Here’s what four Asian participants have to say about their submissions.
Speak Cryptic (Singapore) – Last Exit to Brooklyn
Last Exit To Brooklyn was one of those books that kind of did it for me. And when coming up with ideas for the cover, I remembered thinking that it had to look gritty and raw, or at least give me the same vibe in the visual sense. It was a simple process of just going back and forth to the drawing board and coming up with and settling on an image that best depicted the book. The linework was all done manually and then coloured and textured in Photoshop.
Kristal Melson (Singapore) – The Metamorphosis
In The Metamorphosis by Kafka, it struck me how the characters in the story had no sympathy and only disgust for Gregor Samsa in his state of ugliness, even though he dedicated much of his life to them. A cockroach on its back is in its most vulnerable state. If you’ve ever looked at a dying cockroach, are you capable of feeling empathy for it?
Sakiroo (Korea) – Principled Centered Leadership (top image)
To be frank, I never read a book until I was 20. Perhaps I didn’t like reading books before but that changed after reading Principle Centered Leadership. Of course, this is not a book about art or design; it is a self-development book. The book made me realise the importance of humanity. Naturally this enlightenment made me think about artwork and philosophy. I admire Stephen Covey. He showed me what I had to do for the future, almost like a religion. The book title is Principle Centered Leadership so I portrayed him as the centre of the universe between the sun and the moon. The Korean book cover was a portrait of him, so I just expressed the book cover in portrait style.
Sheryo (USA/Singapore) – The Witches
I remember looking at people differently after reading The Witches by Roald Dahl; it made such a weird impact in my life when I was a kid. I was at a beach in Mexico and saw this lady who looked and behaved like a witch – she was in a red bikini and had huge red hair and huge eyes, and she stared at me for a very long time while I ate breakfast at one of the beach cafes. She disappeared into the ocean with huge overhead waves. The next day, I sat at the same spot during breakfast and drew witches for the book project.
The Kult Book Exhibition will be held from 25 April to 25 May at the Kult Gallery, Emily Hill, Blk C2-5, 11 Upper Wilkie Road. Hours: 11am – 6pm on weekdays; appointment on weekends (Tel: 6338 1066). For more information, visit kult.com.sg
The artworks are available in editions of 10 and for sale at SGD$300 (framed).
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
The INDE.Awards 2022 – The Multi-Residential Building shortlist highlights and showcases the success of architecture and design of this design iteration.
Monier takes a new-think approach to terracotta roof tiles. Producing their terracotta tiling ranges from their factory in Victoria, Monier appreciates first-hand the natural beauty and honesty of terracotta clay.
Stylecraft presents David Chipperfield’s light, sturdy and versatile chair.
The honour of being the Venice Architecture Biennale Commissioner has been presented to Janet Holmes à Court AC. Janet Holmes à Court is one of Australia’s most successful and influential businesswomen and a renowned patron of the arts. Currently she is Chairman of the John Holland Group, one of Australia’s leading construction and engineering companies, […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.
BLP announces the topping out of Health Infrastructure’s $658m Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre building.