Guided by an interest in photography and photo sequencing, this student project re-imagines photographer John Humble’s 2007 Getty Museum exhibition A Place in the Sun. Re-locating the exhibition to The Broad, it features Humble’s unique perspective on Los Angeles from the late 1970s to the early 2000s through appropriate applications, such as a title wall.
I began my research by analyzing key characteristics of John Humble’s photography, including color palettes, shapes, and subject matter like industrial parks and residential neighborhoods. I also explored his other projects, similar modern-day photographers, and his influences, such as American artist Edward Hopper. Humble describes his work as responding to the rapid change of the Los Angeles landscape, and committing to show the city in a way that is honest and unfiltered.
For the brochure, I use a plain grey background to complement Humble’s urban-themed photography. The color palette and simplified map highlight his photos while also serving as a metaphor for his artistic approach, which is both honest and rich in juxtaposition.
I use the color of the sky to provide contrast in advertising touchpoints, while the color palette and a map of Los Angeles provide an appropriate visual for a ticket and t-shirt.
I created a design system that is honest and utilizes a level of juxtaposition, reflecting Humble’s work. The identity system helps viewers geographically locate his photos on a map, enhancing their connection to the imagery. Using a QR code on the title wall, audiences can explore Humble’s photos of business signage, residential streets, the Los Angeles River, and more. These images serve as a visual time capsule, allowing viewers to see how the city looked in prior decades.