Fleischmann, Katja (2012) Tropical flair or univernacular? [Creative Work]

	Video (QuickTime) (Digital art work, exhibited in SoCA Staff Show) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (28MB)
Preview	Image (JPEG) (art work 'Tropical Flair or Univernacular? ' on display) - Supplemental Material Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (237kB)
Preview	Image (JPEG) (eMerge Gallery - location of art show) Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (162kB)

Abstract

Globalization brings conformity. While 'sameness' may be comforting, part of a unique regional identity might be in danger of being lost? In search of a distinctive vernacular typography in Townsville, the artist wandered the streets of the city investigating type in both obvious and hidden places, discovering writing on forgotten walls and inspecting signage of business owners advertising their services. Is there a sense of place?

Issue-based art provides to some extent, a methodological structure for research. These points lead to ways artists can look at their work as part of a bigger picture but still be specific to place.

Research Statement

Research Background	Tropical Flair or Univernacular? Globalization brings conformity. While 'sameness' may be comforting, part of a unique regional identity might be in danger of being lost? In search of a distinctive vernacular typography in Townsville, the artist wandered the streets of city investigating type in both obvious and hidden places, discovering writing on forgotten walls and inspecting signage of business owners advertising their services.
Research Contribution	The distinctiveness of the Tropics and in particular of the the tropical capital of North Queensland, Townsville, is explored and illustrated. Lettering and signage can communicate the qualities of the tropics and can create a corresponding sense of place. The unique typographic landscape in the urban environment of Townsville is illuminated.
Research Significance	A letter, in itself, has no semantic meaning; it is a visual stand-in for a speech sound. The use of typography (typefaces) can extend the connotative power. Cultural, stylistic, and connotative properties that typefaces possess can also contribute to creating a sense of place. Townsville has a unique regional identity which is in danger of being lost. This artwork helps preserving Townsville's distinct sense of place. A fusion of past and the present might be created, designed to keep parts of Townsville's regional identity alive and so preserve a unique 'tropical flair' based on local history and tradition. It is time to take care of some of Townsville's unique vernacular signage, to archive it and maybe re-use it, maybe to create Townsville’s very own tropical typeface.
Item ID:	28438
Item Type:	Creative Work (Original Work - Visual Art - NTRO)
Media of Output:	Digital on-screen presentation
Event Details:	Light in the Torrid Zone eMerge Gallery 26 October to 23 November 2012
Keywords:	design in the tropics, typography, design for social change, social design
Additional Information:	This work formed part of the School of Creative Art Staff Show at eMerge Gallery, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 29 October - 23 November 2012.
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2014 01:06
FoR Codes:	19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media > 190205 Interactive Media @ 50% 19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media > 190203 Electronic Media Art @ 50%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9501 Arts and Leisure > 950104 The Creative Arts (incl. Graphics and Craft) @ 100%
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