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Maggie Morton

BFA in Graphics — Graphic Design
Faculty:
Simon Johnston

Mietverhältnis

I designed this book in Berlin, Germany on a study abroad program with the concept “Presence of Absence” being the overarching theme. My concept began with the idea of being away from home in a new place and being a short term tenant. Tenancy is often impermanent and ever-changing, showcasing both a presence and an absence at all times.
Project Website:
https://maggiemorton.me/mietverhaltnis
Since the overarching theme of the book deals with both a presence and an absence, vellum paper was used in ways to showcase this through transparency and type that can be read in two ways.
This same effect is also used with photos of buildings where the windows are cut out and those shapes are then used to house another image so they can be seen together or apart.
I took film photographs around Berlin in black and white film and wrote poems about my feelings as a temporary tenant. These were included in increments of 12 pages throughout the book to provide a resting point for introspection and quiet.
I interviewed tenants in Berlin to talk about how they felt absence in their lives and included handwritten notes to showcase the humanity of the project.
This is where I introduced color film photography to then show the contrast of inside of homes versus the outside of buildings and breathe life into the book.
Lastly I poured silicone on the ground outside of my building to showcase the coming and going of tenants from the building in a physical and textured way.