Kitae Kim

Abstract

This thesis will first document how both typography and photography have merged into a pure form of communication: typophoto. Simultaneously, the study will refine the visual parameters for understanding the concept of typophoto through an examination of the works of a number of designers, design movements and visual theories. The final goal of this thesis study will be to explore a new interpretation of typophoto and to extend its use in the new digital era. In 1925, the designer, painter, photographer and film maker Laszl6 Moholy-Nagy first mentioned the concept or theory of typophoto in Malerei Photographic Film. Typophoto was a manifesto of visual communication which closely integrated typography and photography to give an unambiguous message through different planes and media. Exploring typography and photography, Moholy-Nagy sought to understand how both disciplines had been influenced by other art training and how they had developed by means of techniques and time constraints. Furthermore, the idea of typophoto was extended into other fields such as film, where, as a kinetic form of the media, it could interpret the concept of typophoto efficiently (See Appendix A). Today's fast-paced trends and fashions in visual communication require an increased understanding of and accessibility to a complex system of information and media as they move toward 'Motion' or 'Kinetic' art. The designer needs not only to implement the application, but he/she is also required to be a "messenger": a visual communicator or commentator. As media development and technological constraints have became increasingly diversified, the task and responsibility of the designer in problem-solving has become more difficult and complicated. Simultaneously, in light of Moholy-Nagy's progressive and innovative approaches to use two disciplines as a unified form, today's designers and artists must acquire cross-field abilities and experiences. Consequently, typophoto provides us with an effective if complex way to develop our creativity. This thesis documentation first discusses what typophoto is and then explores how the visual message can be made unambiguous by incorporating the notion of typographic and photographic communication. In other words, typophoto could be a powerful vehicle for solving the problem of the ultimate goal of communication: to send a message.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Visual communication--Technique--Technological innovations; Graphic arts--Technique--Technological innovations; Graphic design (Typography); Photography; Communication in design--Technique--Technological innovations

Publication Date

5-20-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (CIAS)

Advisor

Remington, R. Roger

Advisor/Committee Member

Klinkon, Heinrich

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: PS93.5 .K55 2000

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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