The power of the visual is universally acknowledged. While taste is a matter of personal preference, it is through the difference in perspectives of artists that we get to see endless variations on any subject. Good artists are often recognised by their distinguished styles of rendering any subject, which may change and alter with time. But each time an artist attempts a creative artwork, he or she creates a unique aesthetic. There was a similar sense of wonder at a recent show of poster design held at the Faraar Gallery at the T2F, in Karachi.

Curated by the distinguished graphic design artist, Khuda Bux Abro, ‘Poster for Tomorrow’ is part of an international poster show that is held simultaneously in many countries of the world. As part of the committee that every year selects posters on different concerns of the UN charter of rights, Abro brings to the exhibit an extensive experience and passionate engagement in illustration design.

‘Poster for Design 2016’ is based on posters made on the theme of ‘Make Extremism History’ and selected in a most competitive process by some of the top-most designers from different countries. Due to the rigorous nature of selection, this has established itself as one of the most prestigious events in the design world.

An international project of visuals and text brings the best of poster design and social awareness against extremism

As Abro said on the eve of the launch, “This pool of powerful imagery is an outcome of a social activism shared by a collective. The purpose of the simultaneous exhibition of these posters in many countries, calling to make extremism history, is to send out a strong message of solidarity.” No race, nationality, social standing, etcetera is a bar, and both well-known designers and students are invited to participate. Only 100 posters are finally selected from several thousands, and within those, only the top 10 that are reproduced through social media and other channels to reach a wide audience in each country, points out Abro.

“We are men and women around the world who believe that a poster, a simple, arresting image combined by a powerful piece of text, can be a force for change,” reads the text in an accompanying book that archives the posters. Simple, but effective in an easy to hold compilation, its cover is designed by Cesar Flores and printed in Paris. Some of the strongest designs are the simplest, such as the poster in black and white by the Greek designer, Fetanis Ioannis that reads “IS and WAS”.

An overall grey in another poster by Meta Newhouse (US) depicts a few faint figures against the dominant grey. A minimal text reads, ‘Beijing, 9am. The benefits of burning coal are not clear.’ What is clearly striking about these particular works and many like them is the subtlety of design and tone. Unlike the notion that a poster must shout out, there is depth here and room for contemplation, as well as a design challenge to the art and non-art viewer. There is also immense room to meander in complex artistic concepts that are conveyed effortlessly in their simplicity and lack of clutter.

While the thrust of most designs appears to negate the use of weapons, such as in the poster, “Education against Extremism”, by Mareen Hollmann (Germany), or “You can’t read a book extremely close” by Vahe Abed (Iran), there are convincing visuals for freedom of expression. A predominantly black and white with red poster by Ricardo Garia (Brazil) reads, “Don’t Silence Different Opinions”. Such messages are not new, but due to the creativity of the artists, the impact is fresh. In the poster “It is about Me / We”, by Ethar Elnour (Sudan), the word ‘me’ also reads as ‘we’. The power of a collective voice and harmony is addressed throughout in the imagery.

There are layers of humour and fun, playing with form, and in some of them through the addition of a single colour. The most striking perhaps is the image of Donald Trump sitting on a head that opens up like the lid of a bathroom pot. The title further reinforces the message, “Extremism is Shit”, by Massimo Dezzano (Italy).

These posters displayed back-to-back on the walls of the T2F, a niche space associated with discussion, activism, music and reading, may seem like the ideal place to extend thoughts and social concerns through this imagery. Although it seems that these powerful visuals need to be shared in more inclusive public spaces, to be able to reach those who do not have the awareness that they seek to create. If one can insist, they must become part of a public awareness message perhaps moving towards libraries, schools or even malls.

The show “Poster for Tomorrow” held at the Faraar Gallery at the T2F, in Karachi from December 16 to December 22, 2016

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 25th, 2016