The Cyclist

World Graphic Design, 2004, Geoffrey Caban, p140
Ebrahim Hughighi, Iran, Film Brochure Cover

This design for a film brochure made me interested in attempting to figure out what the film was about. I'm guessing the cyclist is dying since one of the tire tracks turns to red (blood) and leads to the I.V hooked up on the bicycle. I like the double lines on the font that give the impression of bicycle wheel tracks. I found my eye following the tracks around the loops to the man on the bicycle. Then I realized the words, the tracks, and the figure encircle a very faded background image of a closeup of the man's face.

Trapped

World Graphic Design, 2004, Geoffrey Caban, p119
Antonio Mena, Ecuador, Igonos magazine cover, 2001

I wish I knew what the writing on this magaine cover says, then I might have a better understanding of what the graphic design represents. I found the design itself to be intriguing. I like the simplistic look. The fact that the man is blacked out and tied up leads me to believe that the design is about some type of oppression. Since the arrow isn't straight, perhaps this represents a conflict, being pulled in two directions. The dominance of the white arrow pointing downward makes me think that any outcome of the conflict will be negative.
If anyone knows what the magazine cover says, please post in the comments. Thanks!

Perseverance

World Graphic Design, 2004, Geoffrey Caban
Antonio Mena, Ecuador, 1999 poster for symposium in Quito on the Columbian conflict

The artist wanted an image that represented death and destruction but also a hope for peace. He was expressing that despite of the surrounding cruelty and destruction, the Ecuadorean people refused to succomb and are reborn with renewed energy. The primary colors of the leaves are also the colors of the Ecuadorean flag.
I liked that the artist used a very simplistic design for such a serious subject. And the negative space created by the trunk is very interesting. The design appears to be asymmetrically balanced by color with the black versus the colors. The line of red at the top corner pulls it all together. Unity is created by proximity. The focal point seems to be the bright yellow leaf which pops out from the darkness of the rest of the elements. Yellow represents joy thus enhancing the concept of perseverance and the peoples's gratefulness for each day. The three leaves are in triadic color harmony.

Freedom

World Graphic Design, 2004, Geoffrey Caban, p64
U.G. Sato, Japan, Poster for an environmental series entitled "freedom", 1993

The tagline on this poster, "Where can nature go?", made me look at this design with the idea that nature is trying to escape mankind - to get away from our destructive interference. I like how the tree's branches evolve into wings and then birds and then fly away taking the roots with it. The slight curvature of the tree enhances the illusion of depth created by the diminishing size of tree pieces. If the tree had been vertical, I don't think there would have been as much suggestion of relocation. A vertical tree would have appeared as more of an ascension to heaven.

Jazz Festival

Workbook 26 Illustration & Design, p579
Yucel, Jazz Fest Poster

I loved the flowing artsy feeling of this design. The loose black ink drawings and font give the poster spontaneity and creates an aura of fun. The warm color scheme promotes the event as welcoming. Unity can be found in the proximity of the key elements - the writing and the trombone player. Unity is also seen in the continuity of colors and in the repeated curves found on the figures. Emphasis is placed on the word "Jazz" by contrast in color. In addition, the lines on the man and the direction of the trombone aid in leading your eye to the word "Jazz". There are nice staccato rhythms established by the repetitive line elements both in the man and in the background. Finally, depth is created by size with the smaller figure appearing to be in the distance.