Fleischmann, Katja (2012) What I see today. [Creative Work]

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Abstract

What I see Today is it tropical flair or univernacular? 'Sameness' is approaching Townsville which is blessed with a unique regional identity. Vernacular typography is a strong visual aspect of creating such unique identity. Typography is part of what makes the capital of the tropical North different to Cairns and different to lets say places on the Sunshine Coast (only 1200km away). Nevertheless, when photographing typography of discount department stores or global retailers in different locations - can I still get a sense of place?

Exhibition Rational: The significance of creative artists' research may lie in how art can show respect for people and place. Issues of our time include the postmodernist quest to promote the less privileged, to regain voices of those who have not been heard. 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. Sameness is shockingly documented by photographing typography (branding) of Australian and global retailer and discount warehouse. These visual explorations show a loss of regional identity.
Research Significance	Townsville has a unique regional identity which is in danger of being lost. This artwork helps preserving Townsville's distinct sense of place. A loss of regional identity is revealed - characteristics which draw people and tourists into the region. 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:	31091
Item Type:	Creative Work (Recorded/Rendered Work - Digital Creative Work - NTRO)
Media of Output:	Digital/interactive, iPad
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:	06 Feb 2014 06:41
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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