Belgisch Instituut
Grafisch Ontwerp

‘So now I come to speak. At last. I will tell you all I know. I was deceived to think I could not do this. I have the powers; I take them here. I have the right. I have the means. My words may be poor, but they will have to do.’ – Paul Griffiths, Let Me Tell You (Hastings: Reality Street, 2008), 7

Researching the contributions of Maria Sèthe (1867-1943) to the art and career of her more famous husband, the architect Henry van de Velde (1863-1957), is a charged experience. It requires negotiating expectations and hopes — both those of others and our own — as well as pushing against disciplinary boundaries.

Cette réflexion sur le travail de Claude Rutault fait suite à un travail de résidence mené par Léonore Conte avec le designer graphique Léo Carbonnet au Centre des Livres d’artistes en 2022 et qui a donné forme à la publication de l’ouvrage Artistes typographes qui propose une exploration visuelle de cent trente-deux livres d’artistes.

Out Soon was a free Belgian magazine published from 1992 to 2008. At its peak, it distributed no fewer than 50,000 copies each month across clubs, record shops, bars, restaurants, clothing stores, and other trendy spots. Launched in November 1992 , Out Soon revolved around nightlife and music as its unifying themes.

Le fil conducteur de ce texte se déploie autour de l’idée d’affect comme force motrice de création en design graphique. Cette vision personnelle du design graphique est traversée par des émotions qui le rendent politique et situé — qu’il s’agisse de colère, d’amour, de soin ou de joie militante.