THE CONGO FREESTATE (2019)
THE BRIEF
ISTD 2019 Brief - Lost: "Design a typographic work exploring the theme Lost. We expect you to investigate the widest interpretation of the theme from historical, cultural and global perspectives, drawing upon references to different eras, societies, social groups, generations etc..."
The Congo Free State tells a tale of the atrocities that were committed in what is now, The Democratic Republic of Congo, during 1885-1903. It then goes on to analyse how the Belgian’s occupation under King Leopold II during the late 1800’s set the precedent of the exploitation of the country through post-colonialism.
I chose to document this genocide in particular due to its occurrence seemingly being 'Lost' within historical commentary. Given the scale of lives lost, it shouldn't be as hidden away as it is.
The rationale behind the layout is to have bold display typography alongside grainy, harrowing images separate in order to tell a tale visually, which then entices the reader to delve further into the subject matter by reading the second publication which is a heavier, detailed look into the subject matter.
