The Golden Cage by Hakan Topal is an extremely nuanced, thought-provoking exhibition that raises questions about our identity and the environment, with specific reference to the plight of the kelaynak (Northern Bald Ibis) at the Turkish-Syrian border. The exhibition design required a minimal approach to encourage visitors to form their own conclusions on the information and art presented. Although requiring a minimal aesthetic, the overall design needed to evoke feelings of tension, disruption and enclosure with natural, organic undertones. Herein lied my challenge. Using the kelaynak as inspiration, alignment and proximity became my greatest tools when it came to setting the tone for this exhibition. Additional components included an exhibition webpage and marketing materials.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
EXHIBITION: Design concept; word mark creation; typesetting; preparation of large-format graphics; icon creation.
MARKETING: Animation; social media assets; print ads; large-format interior and exterior signage.
UX/UI: Website layout
MARKETING: Animation; social media assets; print ads; large-format interior and exterior signage.
UX/UI: Website layout
Photo credits: The Golden Cage exhibition photography by Todd Fraser.