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Printmaking & Layout Design

Unite

Project & Details

In response to the heightened political climate and the global sense of unrest reflected across media, my colleague Danielle Sharples and I set out to explore the historical roots of protest art. This project examines how visual language has been used as a tool for activism, resistance, and collective voice across different movements and time periods.

Research

Our research focused on influential activist groups and artists known for their protest poster methods and philosophies. By studying both the materials and techniques they employed, we sought to understand how design choices amplify urgency and emotion. This research informed the creation of a timeline booklet that unfolds into a contemporary protest poster—bridging past movements with present-day angst.

Design & Approach

The project intentionally draws from multiple historical references:

  • Ateliers Populaires (Paris, 1968): Inspired the use of found and scrap paper, emphasizing immediacy, accessibility, and grassroots production.

  • See Red Women’s Workshop: Influenced our use of screen-printing as a democratic and repeatable method of distribution.

  • Corita Kent: Informed our use of a single, powerful word to communicate a direct and universal message.

The word “UNITE” serves as the visual and conceptual anchor of the piece, symbolizing the collective call of diverse voices and issues demanding attention amidst political and social noise.

Visual Narrative

The booklet’s timeline juxtaposes contemporary news clippings from protests between 2016–2017 with archival photographs from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This contrast highlights recurring patterns of resistance and underscores the continuity of social struggle across generations.

Outcome

The final piece functions as both an educational artifact and a call to action. By unfolding into a poster, the booklet transforms from a reflective timeline into an active statement—encouraging viewers to recognize shared histories and consider the power of unity in protest.