Metahaven will talk about their work and about their recent book, Uncorporate Identity (2010, Lars Müller Publishers).
Metahaven (Vinca Kruk, Daniel van der Velden) is a studio for critical graphic design with a focus on identity and branding. From research projects, such as the Sealand Identity Project (2004), Museum of Conflict (2006), and Quaero (2007), the group has moved into installation making and speculative design projects, such as Affiche Frontière (CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux, 2008) and Stadtstaat (Künstlerhaus Stuttgart and Casco Utrecht, 2009).
Metahaven also produces commissioned work for clients, such as the Antennae paperback series for publishing house Valiz. Metahaven’s work has been included in group exhibitions like Forms of Inquiry (Architectural Association, London, 2007, cat.) and On Purpose – Design Concepts (Arnolfini, Bristol, 2008), and is included in Manifesta8 – The European Biennial for Contemporary Art (Murcia, Spain, 2010). Their book Uncorporate Identity was published in 2010 by Lars Müller.
Critical praise for Uncorporate Identity:
Uncorporate Identity questions the purpose and value of design in a neurotic and treacherous era of geopolitical instability.
-Alice Rawsthorn, International Herald Tribune
An eye-opening and provocative book.
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After decades of corporate identity being reduced to logos, Metahaven has undertaken a larger project to explore identity in politics and culture, online and across borders. This expansive monograph is its own project – the transformation of a design practice into a research laboratory and think tank. An important book.
-Design Observer
One of the most innovative design studios in Europe.
-Süddeutsche Zeitung
There hasn't been anything quite this ambitious from a design team since Bruce Mau hit his stride … Uncorporate Identity collects the critical design projects Metahaven have undertaken to date and amplifies them with new material.
-Rick Poynor, Creative Review
An important status report for design in the contemporary context (…) Metahaven’s book will be a strong contender for either the sexiest thing in your library carrel or the smartest thing in your beach bag.
-Alan Smart, Abitare