ELLE DUFFEY

Project Summary 

Exploring philosophical perspectives on objects and ownership (+ taxonomy and value) through the representation of an info guide on human upgrades.

Context 

Well known & well respected philosophy texts such as Understanding Media (McLuhan), The System of Objects (Baudrillard) and Second Self (Turkle) explore the relationship between our personal and cultural identities and the physical things around us. 

Research Focus 

I first specifically centred my research around the idea of taxonomy and value; how an object’s value might change depending on it’s collection or categorisation. I then considered ‘the human’ and the objects that most people own - and ultimately how these affect not only how we live our lives, but also our psyches. 

Audience 

I aim to be noticed by any teen or adult in the gallery setting; anyone who can understand the message of the work. 

Media 

Adobe Illustrator, Indesign + Printing

Outcome 

Two illustrative posters demonstrating the theory, along with temporary tattoo designs

Professional Practice 

FMP // Temporary Tattoos

Creating these tattoos was a little stressful as no one really prints them other than one place, where you have very little control over sizes... but as a realtively quick print, I am really happy with the sizes that these came out at, and I think the experimental positioning of the set type works a lot. I questioned making these seem more formal and tube-postery, to create a more ‘official’ look to the guide’s branding, but because of the general sardonic, satirical tone of the work I felt like I had a bit more room to be ‘unofficial’ and a bit more playful with it - which I think works. 

Considering the perspective of my audience; teens & adults within the gallery setting, I really think the engagement of having the opportunity to select and wear tattoos that are specific to their possessions will make them engage a lot more with my work and pay far closer attention to it. Equally, the accompanying words on the tattoos differs somewhat from the posters - it is more directed by the use of ‘I’, demonstrating that the wearer is speaking via the tattoos... much like my tattoo icon and description! I think the use of ‘I’, along with some very sardonic messages: “I can kill from 1800m” (gun), “I can detach from legitimate stress” (nicotine) will encourage people to engage with, share and discuss the work much more. I read an article about businesses now needing to be ‘instagrammable’ in order to thrive - it’s like free advertising if people are sharing your content online, and I think these tattoos are an effective way of me achieving this for my project! Also, people love take-away items. 

FMP // Outcome Posters

UNHEARD VOICES // T-SHIRT DESIGN

FMP // TYPE

I love experimental type; hand-written, cut and pasted, scanned, anything! I love things that look a little rough-around the edges so that’s really all I am aware of, so I have struggled looking for type choices (and being aware of the decisions I am making). I asked Joe where to find type and he suggested online type foundries, which I have looked through a lot. 

CRAFT WORK // OUTCOME

CRAFT WORK // OUTCOME

As my outcome to the brief, I created this halftone-style collage using predominantly found imagery. The idea, to visually represent each dichotomy using only very select images, I think has worked really really well and I am pleased with the effectiveness of my image choices! The images I chose were found from photography books, catalogues and web pages, and I think they capture the humorous, not-so-serious tone quite well... especially new & old, which are my personal favourites. 

I also am happy with the decision to use only 2 colours, unlike my main reference (Demii Whiffin), which not only compliments the half-tone style and allows for overlaying without complication, but also sets apart my work from hers and others. 

I made the decision to replicate a print-style process (via half-tone) as a method of distortion from the original images (I didn’t want to simply steal images and do nothing to them), and I also think this really helps to create a tone of synthesis within the work; it seems tonally consistent. I decided (after carrying out tests) to use typeset lettering, instead of hand-writing or something hand-made, which I was initially considering. I think this decision has paid off and helps my zine to feel both professional and mock-’dated’ with my choice of serif.  

In terms of my desired audience, which is essentially anyone who might typically enjoy reading arty zines/books, I think I have targeted them extremely well - the number of pages is short enough to remain interesting, whilst long enough to count as an entity of its own. Also, each image is different and unique enough to remain interesting, and the ‘ish’ pages are somewhat entertaining and help with this also. The scale of the piece - at B6 - is unconventional enough (not an obvious A size) to look more professional (this might sound stupid): I find that zines of this layout instantly look better as a genre convention because it looks less like an amateur print-out. This is also helped by having professionally printed and trimmed each sheet perfectly to size! - As something inspired by a mixture of punky fan zines and retro design, I think it reapproprates and makes the most of both within a new context of neat zine-like book design. 

The binding was something that I initially found difficult (I saddle-stitched the book at home). After having the sheets printed at ABC, I struggled with folding and poking good enough (and even enough) holes and ended up ruining a few versions before getting it right (lucky I printed so many extras!!) I think the decision to use a red thread really compliments the design of the zine and, as an added detail, really makes it. 

FMP // REFERENCE: GEM FLETCHER 

I had a chat with Peter about projects similar to my own for reference and inspiration of tone - something I have struggled to find up until now. Peter showed me Riposte art director Gem Fletcher, who’s project ‘Transhuman’ has been a HUGE help to me tone-wise!! 

The photographic series "investigates an international movement that aims to transform the human condition by enhancing our physical and psychological capabilities beyond the limitations of our biology.” - which I’m really really interested in. 

The work looks at humans with any upgrade: ‘cyborgs, academics, artists, philosophers, bedroom hackers and many more’. To this respect, I feel a sense of simpatico with her and it (as this is the first time I have seen this visually represented and explored in this way - which has been my aim!). 

I really like the use of normality within the shots: in their bedrooms, works, hospital, whatever. The idea that the tech is integrated into their identity is key here. I also like the sort of.... unnatural feel to it all, (Despite the settings), and just how plain odd it all seems. That’s key as well - that it’s quite odd and unusual. I think it is only after noticing the unusual side to this that we really are able to pay attention to the more normal side and realise how odd that is too... (I am rambling.)

CRAFT WORK // BINDING 

After looking again at Jamie Jones’ little zine, I decided to bind my similarly, with saddle stitch. From the zines I have looked at and researched, this seems to be a popular choice; I think it adds to the quirky lo-fi design, but looks more professional than stapling. Also, as a process, I think hand-binding adds to the craft element. Plus, I appreciated the opportunity to experiment with creating something by hand. I’m used to simply handing a USB stick to someone and a finished outcome basically popping out, so to have control over it myself was nice, and I think added a nice touch. I also think the red thread really goes well with my two-colour only design and makes for a nice detail.