Sydney Biennale - Jonathan Barnbrook

Design is an interesting proposition, and often held to be as far away from art as can be (cue Bill Hicks) - which is an interesting argument for another day. 

Which is said by way of context, as whilst reading the venerable Sydney Morning Herald this morning I came across this interesting interview with Jonathan Barnbrook, whom I've followed on and off since his work with David Bowie (who's always had an eye for the visual, but that probably goes without saying).

Barnbrook's known for his outspoken support for design being political and socially aware; he's a great type designer; and he's an exhibiting artist himself, combining a commercial design approach with subversive messages. I get the feeling Thom Yorke would approve.

I never put 2 and 3 together but he's also responsible for one of my favourite designs in recent times - the Sydney Biennale identity - which manages to approach an art event with a challenging and dynamic - and dare I say artistic - approach across print and web collateral.

The interview's a good read (especially for designers) and the Biennale site makes me want to jump the next plane to Sydney. Or maybe that's just the Christchurch winter already getting to me.... it's starting to hail!