Bruce Mau—Walrus

The piece of typography photographed is a spread designed by Bruce Mau for the Walrus Magazine in 2006. The article’s context was about the fashionability of pessimism amongst the educated public sphere and the absolute need for optimism in the design field—in order for design to operate.
In typical Bruce Mau fashion, the typography for the spread is his signature use of the blocky, relatively narrow set sans-serif, commonly found in his other works such as his books with Phaidon, ‘S,M,L,XL.’ Because this is after all, an article written by himself and his outlook with the future of design, the typography thus exudes the vanity and personality of the designer. Hence the ornate and organic scripted B, and M initials found wrapping around the word OPTIMISM. The contrast of the sinuous lines of the script against the cold, hard, sans serif type that dominates the rest of the page works quite beautifully.
In the background, set in the same sans-serif are small, faded bits of type that describe milestones in human history. Some of it positive, some negative, the OPTIMISM comes through to the foreground with its bright, contrasting rainbow colouring.
Conceptually, the spread works quite beautifully and message sinks in quite immediately for most to understand the narration of the story. The use of contrast between colours against the cold dark grey background comes through strongly while the delicate script and its decorative lines give the page the touch of humanity against a background of cold, technologically driven achievements and discoveries.
Say what you may about Bruce Mau, his philosophies and body of work, but this page works quite beautifully in communicating its message.

—Brian Gerard Elicierto