Conceptism

How deep can a graphic design philosophy get, along with its visual representation?

Inspired by the Conceptism —a literary baroque movement characterized by the ingenious association between word and idea, and by focusing the maximum thought in the minimum form—, (penna), the philosophy of silenciodíaz, is characterized, in a parallel way, by the ingenious association between form and idea, and the use of traces and minimalist figures to communicate the concept’s maximum essence.

Penna translates as feather, in Latin, and this language was chosen by its merit of being the mother of a great number of other languages. The reasoning behind the parentheses is the desire of grouping all the precious characteristics of the feather in a single word.

Like the swan, for the modernists, the feather is the symbol of (penna), and although it should naturally be, it gathers noble particularities belonging to the soul of the philosophy: beauty, exoticism, creativity, refinement, elegance, culture, strength…

Its identity is the own philosophy incarnated in an image. It represents a feather in its minimum form, without losing the essence, and conceptualizing it even more. Its design is built based in two basic figures: two ovals that, by the association of the elements, cover the minimalist identity.

The slight cuts found in the feathers are so representative that if they were omitted the identity may be lost. These cuts could have been illustrated in a more minimalist manner: two triangles would make the job effortlessly; however, its structure would be so rigid and unnatural that the concept would be altered. Instead, organic curves make the role, adding refinement
and elegance. It should be noted that these curves are, in reality, geometric: they’re segments of perfect circles, showing, this way, one of the titles hold by a conceptist: Geometric Illusionist.

The quill adds the touch of ingenuity and perspicacity: its placing, outside of the feather’s body, forces the observant to notice this element as one on its own, although maintaining the integrity of the design.

The inclination shows the position of (penna): based in classic concepts —by its conception from an artistic baroque movement—, with a modern and innovative philosophy.

Finally, gray is the representative color, helping to enrich the identity with characteristic already attributed to it: neutrality —the philosophy, even though a little rigid, is so flexible to let the situation influence it—, coldness —it shows the concepts as they really are, without any superfluous additions—, and double sense —the existent dualism amid white and black: the minimalism and the conceptualism.

A philosophy, independently of the area it belongs, can be as deep as it allows; and, similarly, its visual representation. (penna), and its distinctive icon, reached the desired point, placed in the center of two paradoxes: the philosophy, among the rigidity and flexibility; the identity, among the minimalism and the concept —minimalist, but not hollow; conceptual, but not overwhelming.

silenciodíaz : (penna)