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Using Type

The Stedelijk Museum presents work by French graphic designer Philippe Apeloig, noted for his thorough and experimental use of typography.

Philippe Apeloig, Bateaux sur l’eau, rivières et canaux, 2003, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint

Philippe Apeloig engages in a witty interaction with letters, in some instances designing his own typefaces.

His mastery of typography is such that he is able to play a subtle and well-chosen game with characters and fonts. In some designs, he allows letters to function as autonomous images.

<b>Left</b>: Philippe Apeloig, Vivo in Typo, 2008, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint. <b>Right</b>: Philippe Apeloig, Frida and Diego, A Creative Love, 2008, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint — **Left**: Philippe Apeloig, Vivo in Typo, 2008, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint. **Right**: Philippe Apeloig, Frida and Diego, A Creative Love, 2008, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint

This can be seen in the poster Bateaux sur l’eau of 2003, where the letters form a boat and yet, even when slightly distorted, always convey their message clearly. The letter shapes in the poster Bewegte Schrift of 2011 were also featured in a digital animation screened at Zurich station. Apeloig’s designs are layered with meaning, which is always in tune with the subject of the poster. His resulting designs are rich and varied; some are colorful, others in black and white, with occasional touches of color.

Carolien Glazenburg, curator of graphic design at the Stedelijk said: “Apeloig composes with letters, infusing them with different characteristics; some stand alone, others gather in dynamic groups, some dance exuberantly and, on occasion, serve as a sculpture. They can proclaim their message loudly, or in a more restrained tone.”

Left: Philippe Apeloig, Bateaux sur l’eau, rivières et canaux, 2003, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint. Right: Philippe Apeloig, Bateaux sur l’eau, rivières et canaux, 2003, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint

Left: Philippe Apeloig, Théâtre National Toulouse Midi Pyrénées saison 2012 2013, 2012, 175 x 118,5 cm, screenprint. Right: Philippe Apeloig, Type Directors Club, New York, 2007, 175 × 118,5 cm, screenprint

until January 31, 2016
Philippe Apeloig
Using Type
Stedelijk Museum
Museumplein 10, Amsterdam

Get the best of Domus straight to your inbox!

Using Type

The Stedelijk Museum presents work by French graphic designer Philippe Apeloig, noted for his thorough and experimental use of typography.

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