Consume By

As concern over climate change, nature conservation, and pollution grows among the Dutch populace, the effects of environmental degradation are already starkly visible in many parts of the world. This raises a pressing question: How long can humanity continue to inhabit our planet? Many artists are contemplating this challenge. The exhibition Consume By (May 13, 2022 - January 29, 2023) features artworks that depict nature from the 17th century to the present day. What stories do these landscapes, still lifes, plants, and animals convey about the relationship between people and nature throughout history? And, importantly, what narratives are omitted—and why?
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Graphic Design
Dana Dijkgraaf
Exhibition design
Paul Toornend
Exhibition building
Studio met met
Text production
Promosign
Exhibition photography
Eva Broekema

Concept
I had the privilege of creating the graphic design for Consume By. The exhibition’s minimal approach allows the emotionally charged artworks to take center stage, so I aimed to provide a blank canvas for them to be fully appreciated. To add an additional layer of depth—both substantively and visually—I developed a handmade typography crafted from sand. The sand, carefully selected to evoke the hues of the Sahara, serves as a central element in the design. To me, this sand typography symbolizes the fragility of our planet. “It is such a beautiful and impressive planet on which we live, and at the same time we must be vigilant in protecting this vulnerable and complex being.” Each thematic title in the exhibition was meticulously created by hand using this sand, reflecting a process that took several days in the photo studio and workshop.

What we made
The titles positioned directly above the reading texts are clearly legible, while those placed higher in the exhibition are set larger but less distinctly, creating a sense of softness as they appear to flow away. This visual metaphor aligns seamlessly with the exhibition’s theme—suggesting that the earth, as we know it, might slip through our fingers like sand. Additionally, I designed a large wall print that captures this transient idea: the title becomes increasingly indistinct, evoking a still moment of letters disappearing before your eyes. At the exhibition’s entrance, visitors can read the title in full, but within seconds, it is blown away and lost, a concept I also translated into a promotional video for the exhibition.

Sparkles
The exhibition design features a playful technique using stencils to apply vibrant colors, making the creative process both enjoyable and engaging. Filling the stencils with color allowed for precise application and added an exciting hands-on element to the project. Interestingly, the ‘sand’ isn’t traditional sand, but small stones typically used in aquariums. This unexpected choice not only creates a unique texture but also symbolizes the diverse and often overlooked narratives in art history, enhancing the overall presentation and inviting viewers to explore deeper meanings. Despite its heavy central theme, the graphic design adds an authentic and subtle touch, enhancing the artworks in a poetic manner. The exhibition showcases over 200 pieces from the collection of Museum Arnhem, supplemented by borrowed works and pieces created specifically for this event. These artworks challenge the exploitation of land and its inhabitants, both past and present, while also envisioning a sustainable future for all life on Earth. Can art reshape our relationship with the Earth?

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