Yanik . Hauschild . Visual Communication

Helena Hiegemann

Look at all those beautiful images; random in size and order. Very easy to click through. I like it. Where can I call? Ah there on top is the number. Let's reach out to this Paris based stylist Helena Hiegemann and work together. Sometimes it can be so simple.

Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
Akademie [Arbeitstitel]

The face of an exhibition is the artist, the artwork or the theme. But what to choose if more than 100 artists are presented over a period of various months? Kunsthalle Düsseldorf dared to prompt this question in their exhibition »Akademie [Arbeitstitel]«. There is an opening without any exhibited artworks, a closing event without artworks, too; and in between five months of steady conversion.

This special concept behind the exhibition is depicted in the amount of participating artists – which is why their one hundred names become the pictorial element of the exhibitions communication. They are written by hand directly onto the walls, flyers and posters. In that way the steady change of artists can be visually transferred to the communication by a simple procedure: The ones that are marked, are presented at the moment, the ones that are already done, are crossed out. The communication takes part in the evolution of the exhibition and functions like a wall planer. Who is on show right now, who did I miss and who is still to come. All information can be perceived quickly. It is written on the wall. 

The handwritings distinct character creates a strong visual language and therefore becomes representative. It is functional and sovereign. It is a constant companion.

Düsseldorf Photo Plus (+)

In 2020 »Düsseldorf Photo« introduced its rather bulky »+« to reference the variety of mediums that congregate under the title of photography nowadays. The change of name and orientation was calling for a new visual representation, which is why the committee invited for a design competition. Addition is usually signed by a »+«, also in this case, but in the field of photography it can also appear as focus and zoom. This proposal focuses on that: The plus as an idea of content as well as visual representation of the category. The symbol can be spread as an underlying grid in a light version (addition) and functions as the main representative in a solid cut (focus). The typeface »Parabole« ties it all together; its expansion in four directions mirror the broadening of the main symbol. The graphics are accompanied by »wrong« RGB colours referring to the new orientation of the event.

Tiroler Landesmuseum
Looking Ahead

Tiroler Landesmuseum invited studios for a competition to design a small Identity for an upcoming exhibition that highlights young artists work, a showcase on current developments. The main element is a specific website, which could be reached from the museums site and gives information about the exhibition, associated events and portraits of the artists taking part. The given name is »Looking Ahead«, a view into the future. In the end this proposal was not chosen – and the gaze went to the floor.

Thomas Huber

Swiss artist Thomas Huber was looking for a new online representation that solves a number of problems: quick access to his catalogue of works from more than 40 years with a traceable connection between his series of works, catalogues as well as editions – and the collectors, art historians or gallerists should be able to find specific works and exhibitions easily. After all everybody was missing the nicely to look at big images. Such a clear vision and understanding of the objective resulted in an intuitive archive, a combination of structure and generous imagery. Zoom in, zoom out. An easy to use keyword search allows for shortcuts between all content, while everything is presented in three languages. A status that now extends into the future.

Paloma Varga Weisz

A cabinet for the figures of German artist Paloma Varga Weisz; modest and discreet in white and grey, quiet black type and stamped with the artist signet. It serves in two ways, either drift along in the extensive collection of work and images or choose the corresponding folder if you know what you are looking for. The typeface »Chap« matches the atmosphere and guides along. As an artist does not need an extensive branding, the typography is enough to hold digital and printed matter together – the focus is on the imagery and is used in special occasions like post stamps, too.

New Architekten

Construction or distraction? The logo of »New Architects« is a building. N, E and W are compiled by staircase, roof and steel beams; or are those just solid concrete blocks? Good question – is the logo even finished now or still under construction?

Dakitec’

Dakitec’ is a young digital agency for custom software and web applications. Its most difficult task – apart from the usual one of attracting potential clients – is to draw the attention of talented developers, as they are likely to be recruited by the common big tech companies. This circumstance is reflected in the new appearance: it speaks a language that does not allow any restraint, but aims for clear approachability. The Identity works as the messenger service.

An individually created pixel icon set provides imagery. It can be loud or sweet, surely it is fun and can be used flexibly on all applications. The balanced colour scheme, derived from common code editors, brings additional dynamism. Graphic clarity on the one hand and moderate disruption on the other. Straightforward, professional and to the point; this is how Dakitec’s new identity communicates. And in the process, it ignites a firework of playful animations and details. It makes you want to work with the guys, whether as a potential employee or client.

Taifun Plus

Taifun is an international art platform that shares and provides cultural exchange. One of their initiatives »PLUS – A project for an Aging World« focuses on the discourse of artists, scientists and practitioners from Japan and Germany; two of the fastest aging states in the world. Over a period of multiple years visits between the countries are organised as well as residencies, conferences, screenings and exhibitions to help the intellectual dialogue and work out different perspectives or solutions about ageing. A comprehensive Identity supports their work. It has to be versatile, low budget in use and ever growing while following the process. The central element is a wordmark that plays the simple idea of adding the different letters to each other – plus. It can grow and move in different direction, depending on the application and use. This move of adding up is further translated in all printed matters, like various leaflets, everyone different in their folding, as well as posters, booklets or stickers. A website serves as Newswroom and Archive, it shows the participants, events and the results. It becomes the growing data base.



Katharina Beilstein

Sculpture, shoe, vase, ring – sculptural footwear or fashionable art? The work of German artist Katharina Beilstein is on the threshold of art and design. Her website acts the same: It appears as much as an online retailer as a showcase for the portfolio. The mundanely numbered pieces are chronologically arrayed, the newest piece presents itself first, gets the most attention and the biggest space – NEW! NOW! –, the farther you descend into the substance of work, the more it appears like an archive. Still, every small box is only one click away. And one more thing: The system can be applied to all printed matter, too.

Werkschau HS-D

Yes! Wow, the – end. Now? One day. The studies at University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf come to an end with the final presentation of the Bachelor and Master projects at »Werkschau« each year. 172 students of the Faculties of Architecture and Design present their work together in the summer of 2017 over the period of two weeks. Eight posters call the attention for this special event in a students career. They cover the walls as a repeated pattern, they interrelate and open a typographic three-letter word play.

The new structure overlays the walls and create a colourful atmosphere in a battered building that is going to be knocked down in the near future. The posters are arranged in random order whereby the words collide humorously or interact abstractly. However the approach is prosaic as each poster represents a certain event within the whole schedule. All typefaces used, »Blow« and »Format Grotesk«, have their start at Hochschule Düsseldorf, too. It makes sense to respond to the environment comprehensively.