Objectified
I just received word via a Helvetica Film News email alert of a new film coming out directed by Gary Hustwit (director of Helvetica in 2006). Objectified is a documentary about industrial design – “the manufactured objects we surround ourselves with, and the people who make them.” I think this an incredibly interesting follow-up to his tracking of the overwhelming usage of Helvetica all over the world. It is also a cool way to delve into everyday des
ign, as AIGA has also done with its current exhibit (which I will finally have a chance to check out and blog about later this week). Hustwit writes: “I’m interested in industrial designers because their work influences so many aspects of our world yet most of the time it’s taken for granted. And I think that, especially today, it’s crucial for us to re-examine how we make and use consumer products at every level… The term objectified has two meanings. One is ‘to be treated with the status of a mere object.’ But the other is ‘something abstract expressed in a concrete form,’ as in the way a sculpture objectifies an artist’s thoughts. It’s the act of transforming creative thought into a tangible object, which is what designers in this film do every day. But maybe there’s a third meaning to this title, regarding the ways these objects are affecting us and our environment. Have we all become objectified?” Hustwit’s analysis actually connects to the use of the movie logo on a t-shirt, which all of a sudden makes the t-shirt take on a new meaning for the wearer. I absolutely love the logo for this movie (designed by British graphic designer Michael C. Place of Build). It is clearly strong conceptually and its iconic design actually reminds me of one of the design proposals from my Advanced Graphic Design class for exterior signage for Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall last fall. All in all, I’m curious what the movie will have to say about the few objects that got it right the first time—the objects, unlike the toothbrush, whose designs have not been altered since their inception—like that of the paperclip. The movie is supposed to premiere in early 2009 and the Objectified website will be blogging about the film and feature photos from shoots and video excerpts in the meantime so check it out: http://www.objectifiedfilm.com. Also, there are posters and t-shirts available with the movie logo, but be ready to empty our your pockets to get your hands on one. 
ign, as AIGA has also done with its current exhibit (which I will finally have a chance to check out and blog about later this week). Hustwit writes: “I’m interested in industrial designers because their work influences so many aspects of our world yet most of the time it’s taken for granted. And I think that, especially today, it’s crucial for us to re-examine how we make and use consumer products at every level… The term objectified has two meanings. One is ‘to be treated with the status of a mere object.’ But the other is ‘something abstract expressed in a concrete form,’ as in the way a sculpture objectifies an artist’s thoughts. It’s the act of transforming creative thought into a tangible object, which is what designers in this film do every day. But maybe there’s a third meaning to this title, regarding the ways these objects are affecting us and our environment. Have we all become objectified?” Hustwit’s analysis actually connects to the use of the movie logo on a t-shirt, which all of a sudden makes the t-shirt take on a new meaning for the wearer. I absolutely love the logo for this movie (designed by British graphic designer 
No comments:
Post a Comment