Of What Use is Graphic Design?

Times Square - mega signage

Graphic designers are often stumped when asked to explain themselves. We recently found a set of images, by Gregor Graf, that help to demonstrate visually what the world would look like, in one respect, without GRAPHICS. (Click on the words "Hidden Town" in the left column.)

Gregor Graf draws the viewer's gaze to the city...completely purged of signs. With purposely intentional retouching, he emphasizes the architectonic and structural features of the city in an extreme way. The streets seem unreal, culturally interchangeable and alien. They call for a new kind of perception beyond the realm of our familiar experiences and patterns. At the same time, though, these pictures open up a view of architecture that is otherwise blocked and "clarified" spatial systems.

Illuminating.