We were commissioned to design the identity, publications, exhibition graphics, signage, merchandise, as well as the digital and print campaign for the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by Cecilia Alemani, The Milk of Dreams takes its title from a book by Leonora Carrington. Drawing from themes within the exhibition, the graphic identity explores ideas of fluidity, identity, the human and the non-human, re-enchantment and fragmentation. It positions artists’ works at its forefront, featuring details from artworks by Belkis Ayón, Felipe Baeza, Tatsuo Ikeda and Cecilia Vicuña.
These disparate artworks are united in their representation of eyes, which are symbolic of important ideas running through the exhibition: dreams, identity, the body and reflection. The posters, banners and billboards across Venice include mysterious characters looking back at the public – bringing to life inanimate walls, bridges and boats.
The typographic design of the title is metamorphic: classical lettering is transformed into something more hybrid, organic and dimensional. The text weaves organically across multiple mediums, including digital animations and pin-mounted metal letters at the exhibition's entrance. The dynamic approach to classical typography continues across the marketing materials, books and merchandise – combining playful contemporary layouts with the classicism of a serif roman typeface in a nod to some of the historical reflections within the exhibition itself.
The 2022 Venice Biennale reported record attendance, with more than 800,000 tickets sold – a 35 percent increase from the 2019 edition.
Photography: Thomas Adank
We also designed a set of publications to accompany the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
The main catalogue is a comprehensive overview of the exhibition, following the visitor journey through The Milk of Dreams, including large-scale illustrations of every artist featured. It spans over 900 pages and consists of two volumes: the first is dedicated to the exhibition curated by Cecilia Alemani, while the second focuses on the national participations. The slipcase and book covers feature details from artworks by Felipe Baeza and Cecilia Vicuña, united in their representation of eyes. The exhibition includes five capsules that explore the themes within a historical context, which are translated into the catalogue through denser image and text layouts with distinct coloured backgrounds. Historical texts are set in playful arrangements, inspired by the concrete poets featured in the exhibition, on cut-short pages to help readers navigate the book.
The exhibition guide is also conceived to accompany the visitor through the exhibition, featuring map infographics with custom iconography. Each cover – including artworks by Baeza, Vicuña, Belkis Ayón and Tatsuo Ikeda – reflect important ideas running through the exhibition: dreams, identity, fluidity and the body.
Photography: Thomas Adank
