Drawing an Imitation

I don't know if this is by the same artist (I don't think it is) but I came across it and thought it would make an interesting addition to *boy's earlier post.



I don't know if this was done as an imitation of Peter Callesen's work. Maybe this designer originated the idea and it just happens to be one of those coincidences where two designers come up with the same concept. Maybe this was designed by Callesen. Regardless of the author issues, isn't it interesting how our perception of the design changes when the design changes context. The first work is presented in a void of the artist's own making: solid color field, intentional lighting and an absence of scale.

The second gives us far more information because of its literal surroundings and yet this additional information seems to limit the design's interpretation. The "meaning" has been decided on by the type and the context: it is an advertisement for a self-help organization. The first remains untethered and open for our own opinion, our own ideas.

Where is the line between art and design? Between beauty and advertising? Does the human race really need everything spelled out in black and white? Why can't negative space say everything that need be said? I'm in the process of working with my type students on this very idea. Its a tough one...