The collaborative design duo known as Morcos Key, made up of Waël Morcos and Jon Key, led the design for “Black Futures,” a project by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham. They aimed to explore what it means to be Black and alive today, resulting in a visually captivating compilation of images, memes, writings, and social media contributions from various creatives. The book stands out for its outstanding design both inside and out.
Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham’s “Black Futures” book with a captivating design. | 50 Books Winner: “The design of Black Futures beautifully captures images, text and essays into a contemporary non-linear experience. The editorial layout invites a playful exploration from start to finish.” — Kelly Walters
Initially impressed by Morcos Key’s work in The Tenth magazine, Drew approached them for “Black Futures,” emphasizing her desire for the book to be more than just a book but a cultural object that people can enjoy. The AIGA recognized “Black Futures” among the best-designed books of 2020 alongside publications from Ming Smith, Duro Olowu, and Tyler Mitchell.
Each year, AIGA honors the top 50 best-designed books and book covers, with the recent winners announced on June 21. The selection encompasses a diverse range of genres, including novels, nonfiction, art volumes, and design publications.
The judging panel for AIGA’s 50 Books | 50 Covers competition, featuring Jennifer Morla, Paul Sahre, and Kelly Walters, was headed by Gail Anderson, Chair of BFA Design and BFA Advertising at the School of Visual Arts. Anderson praised the quality of the entries, noting the high standard and meticulous curation of the final 50 selections.
“People know how high the bar is in this competition, so they choose their entries carefully. This makes the cherished 50 a bit of a stressful edit, but wow. Print books rule.” — Gail Anderson
Gail Anderson chaired the AIGA’s 50 Books | 50 Covers competition. Bennie F. Johnson is the executive director of AIGA. | Photos by NIr Arieli and Lawrence Jackson
Ming Smith’s debut monograph from Aperture won the award for cover design, while Kyle Meyer’s publication, “Interwoven,” addressing LGBT representation in eSwatini, was recognized for both book and cover design.
Among the winners, “Duro Olowu: Seeing,” tied to an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, delves into the city’s artistic and cultural heritage through the lens of British designer Duro Olowu.
The museum stated that Olowu reimagines the connections between artists and objects from different times, places, and mediums. Departing from traditional exhibition styles, Olowu combines photos, paintings, sculptures, and films in rich and textured displays that include his own creations. The exhibition catalog also took a unique approach, aiming to provide a glimpse into Olowu’s world and present the exhibition in a fresh perspective.
Renata Graw, the founder of Normal, a design practice in Chicago, was tasked with designing the catalog. She described the project as unconventional for a museum exhibition catalog, focusing on being a companion piece rather than a direct reflection of the show. The cover of the catalog, inspired by Olowu’s fascination with Chicago bricks, featured a burnt orange fabric. The design aimed to reflect Olowu’s way of seeing, curating, collecting, mixing, and remixing, with the typographic elements creating a frame for viewers to pause and engage with the content.
Another notable book, “Tyler Mitchell: I Can Make You Feel Good,” was recognized for its design. This book documents the artist’s first solo exhibition in the U.S. at the International Center of Photography in New York. Tyler Mitchell, known for being the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of American Vogue, captures stories through portrait photography, focusing on beauty, freedom, and joy in Black representation.
The book’s design by Alex Lin and Jena Myung of Studio Lin in New York City was commended for its expert use of cloth binding, creating a seamless transition between each photographic spread. The immersive photographs draw readers into the book, with unique image crops and color saturation highlighting the distinct qualities of each image.### Exceptionally Designed Art Books Celebrated for Their Unique Visual Narratives
#### “Black Futures” and Other Notable Art Books Acknowledged for Outstanding Design
Kelly Walters, a designer, discussed the captivating design of “Black Futures,” highlighting how the imagery and color choices draw readers into a unique visual experience within the book. The book was recognized as one of the top 50 books for its exceptional design, with the layout inviting readers to explore its content in a non-linear yet engaging manner.
Morcos Key, reflecting on the cover design process, noted the significance of choosing a solid black cover that symbolizes contemporary art theory and unity within the Black experience. The use of rainbow metallic foil further accentuates the diverse expressions and nuances present within the Black community, showcasing the depth and richness of their experiences through visual elements.
Additionally, Culture Type commended books like “Duro Olowu: Seeing” and “Tyler Mitchell: I Can Make You Feel Good,” among others, for providing solace and profound insights into the practices of significant artists. These books served as essential substitutes during a period when museums and galleries were closed, offering readers a meaningful connection to art and culture during a time of disconnection.
Bennie F. Johnson, Executive Director of AIGA, emphasized the enduring role of books in connecting people and enriching their understanding of the world, especially during times of isolation and change. Despite evolving access to stories and narratives, the value and appreciation for books remain unwavering among readers and art enthusiasts.
Moreover, books like “Ming Smith: An Aperture Monograph” and “Kyle Meyer: Interwoven” were highlighted for their compelling visual narratives and intricate designs. These books not only showcase the artistic prowess of their subjects but also demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail in their presentation, capturing the essence of the artists’ works through thoughtful design elements.
In conclusion, AIGA recognized a diverse range of art, design, and photography books that celebrate cultural diversity and creativity, with titles like “Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter” and “Wild Thing: The Short, Spellbinding Life of Jimi Hendrix” standing out for their compelling narratives and visual aesthetics.
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