Dissent is an essential part of keeping democratic societies healthy, and our ability as citizens to voice our opinion is not only our privilege but our responsibility. Without this dialogue, the backbone of what we have fought so desperately for could easily crumble.
Over the past several decades, we have seen the number of democratic societies around the globe increase, and during the past ten years, there has been a heightened awareness of the increasing conflicts and problems that both directly and indirectly affect our everyday lives. With the Middle EastÆs never ending conflict, the war on terrorism, and the numerous financial and environmental crises, peopleÆs sense of safety, power, and representation has diminished in part because they feel they have no voice.
Designers, however, have used their skills to communicate their dissent throughout history and are doing so even more now with the birth of the Web and the increasing ease of distributing posters and other printed materials. A picture is worth a thousand words and designers have used this adage to their advantage by creating simple yet powerful designs that immediately convey poignant messages to their viewers. The Design of Dissent will examine graphic work focusing on social and political concerns from around the globe. The time is certainly ripe as the U.S. -- and world -- flare in opposition on so many important issues.
To many,
Milton Glaser is the embodiment of American graphic design. He co-founded the revolutionary Pushpin Studios, founded New York Magazine with Clay Felker, established Milton Glaser, Inc., and teamed with Walter Bernard to form the publication design firm WBMG. His artwork has been featured in exhibits worldwide, including one-man shows at both the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He lives in New York City.
Mirko Ilic, born in Bosnia, illustrated and art directed posters, record covers, and comics in Europe before moving to the U.S. in 1986. He has served as art director for the international edition of Time and the New York Times Op-Ed pages. In 1995, he established Mirko Ilic Corp., graphic design and 3-D computer graphics and motion picture title studio. Ilic has taught at Cooper Union and the School of Visual Arts. He is the coauthor of the book Genius Moves: 100 Icons of Graphic Design and is currently co-authoring Handlettering in the Digital Age, both with Steven Heller.
