I have written about and for Neshan, the “professional and educational magazine with the intention of ameliorating ties between graphic designers of Iran, Asia and all parts of the world.” Now there is a new issue, and it is even more important to recognize it.
With Iran so prominently in the news, it is refreshing to find that design is indeed a universal language of understanding — even if one does not understand Farsi. In fact, Neshan, now into its 26th issue, contains English translations and a website featuring them too. And editorially it is truly international without sacrificing the beauty of the Iranian design aesthetic. In the current issue are articles on the idea of “Why would we use text in illustrations? Aren’t illustrations meant to work without text?.” A story on “The conquest of the western world by Iranian graphic designers, carefully planned and executed by Morteza Momayez.” Indeed Momayez was a great designer. A study of the “Vije” font, a “Farsi forerunner of hope” and “Typographic Matchmaking” projects initiated by the Khatt Foundation. Then there is some Western input: A look into the works of R2 Design in Porto, Portugal; Non-Format, the designer duo based in both Norway and the US; features on Gerard Unger, Herb Lubalin and Jan Tschichold. Also a feature on Laika, the typeface.
To access the #26 and past issues go here. And to read my last post on Neshan go here.
