“Mad typographic scientist” Oded Ezer is back.
On Dec. 30, Ezer will be unveiling his newest works at the Vitrina Gallery of the Holon Institute of Technology, Israel. In his “Practical Particles” exhibition, the designer offers a “showcase of typographic responses to current issues in culture and mass communication” via gifs.
As he says in the February 2015 issue of Print, “Recently, I am fascinated by motion. And time-based typography. I don’t really like what I see within this field of moving type. So I’m trying to figure out: a) Why I don’t like what I see, and b) What can I do?”
“Practical Particles” is perhaps his first formal answer to that question.
“Ezer’s attempt to comprehend the metamorphoses of the font, as a content-bearing tool within the digital expanse, generates a wide spectrum of typographic mutations that are hypnotizing to the eye, as well as thought-provoking,” exhibition curator Reuven Givati says.
Here’s a peek at “Practical Particles,” which runs through Jan. 28, 2015.
“Art vs. Design is a typographic installation that make use of certain elements from known artworks to form letters.”
(Breaking) The Crystal Goblet
“(Breaking) The Crystal Goblet is Oded Ezer’s animated-gif homage and response to Beatrice Warde’s famous essay, The Crystal Goblet. The essay was first delivered as a speech, called ‘Printing Should Be Invisible,’ given to the British Typographers’ Guild at the St Bride Institute in London, on October 7, 1930. The essay is notable historically as a call for increased clarity in printing and typography. It is now significant as a common reading in the study of typography and graphic design. The essay has been reprinted many times and is a touchstone for the concept of ‘clear’ typography and the straightforward presentation of content.”
“.˙. |: (aka Dot.Font) is a futuristic animated-giff typeface for the generation that doesn’t read. Its letters are reduced to as little elements as possible, rapidly appear on screen (and disappear from it).”
“We Are Family is an interactive typographic installation that makes use of unsettling images and fragments from found online political, brutal, pornographic and other videos to create a new kind of typographic visual language.”
Practical Particles at Vitrina GalleryHIT Holon Institute of TechnologyOpening Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m.Runs through Jan. 28, 2015Open Sun–Thu: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.52 Golomb St., Holon
For much more with Oded Ezer—and comprehensive coverage of all things type—don’t miss the February 2015 issue of Print, “Typography Today.”
All images copyright © 2015 by Oded Ezer