Letters & Ligatures

One thing about designing for the web is that there is no physical artifacts of our work beyond the computer screen; our work exists in a cloud. And while Airbaggers will sometimes lick the screen when we’re looking at particularly hawt web design, there is an eternally intangible aspect to a designed website. 

Which is why I have a fascination with physically produced work, particularly typographic work. I was fortunate enough to visit, along with Mr. Dorny and Mr. Shea and their significant others, Shepard Fairey’s Subliminal Projects gallery to see House Industries exhibition Letters & Ligatures. While the gallery description on the Subliminal Projects website will speak of the importance and context that language plays in our society I find it much more interesting to see the physical manifestations of the type. 

At the gallery type is displayed in a wide array of forms, from mounted on the wall, hanging from the ceiling or displayed on blocks. The variety of physical manifestation also spanned the spectrum: Rusted metal plates, cast iron sculptures, wood cutting blocks, and fabric. Each material imparts to the type it’s own characteristics and flair. Web designers often try to reproduce the effect of tangible materials, but nothing comes quite up to par with the real thing.

I was also reminded that design work does not exist in a bubble. Interestingly enough, Subliminal Projects is located very close to one of my favorite spots in LA — Dodger Stadium. And guess whose type was being used on the Dodgers billboards across the street from Subliminal Projects? That’s right, House Industries Type.

Letters & Ligatures will remain open through to the fifth of December, so if you’re in the Los Angeles area I highly recommend checking it out.