Graphics RCA: Fifty years
5 November 2014 to 22 December 2014
Upper Gulbenkian Gallery, RCA Kensington
Studio Octopi have collaborated with Royal College of Art (RCA) School of Communication students on the design of the pivotal exhibition ‘GraphicsRCA: Fifty years’.
The major new exhibition will reveal the rich history of graphic design at the RCA, illustrating how, for the past half century, the RCA has been at the forefront of all major developments in graphic communication.
The initial concept for the exhibition was undertaken by current and former students from the RCA School of Communication and consisted of a series of display modules referencing equipment and furniture found in print studios.
In collaboration with the students, Studio Octopi have developed designs that consist of repeated components that are easily dismantled for shipping around the World. With over a 100 posters to hang, all of varying sizes, the hangers are required to accommodate multiple display configurations. In addition to the posters a substantial collection of bound materials including books, magazines and pamphlets will be exhibited on matching display tables.
The details are repeated for both the hangers and the tables. The kit of parts consists of aluminium ‘connectors’ and oak ‘bars’. Using digital technology the aluminium connectors have all been water cut and then machine finished. The expressive aluminium joints are designed to expose the construction process of each item, but also so they could be manufactured in the short timeframe available. The 45x45mm oak sections are a standard size and finished in a clear matt lacquer. Stainless steel ‘sex bolts’ connect the elements and thumb-turn bolts clamp the timber hanging bars around the posters.
Studio Octopi have worked closely with Advanced Aluminium Design and City Interiors on the fabrication of the frames and tables.
The exhibition has been curated by staff and students from the RCA School of Communication. The show is scheduled to tour.
