HIGH TOUCH: TACTILE DESIGN AND VISUAL EXPLORATIONS

Design

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Mon, 2012-07-30 15:55

TactileDesign,VisualExplorations,RobertKlanten,MatthiasHubner,DieGestaltenVerlag

Different techniques, various styles from fine art and handicraft define the three- dimentional look of today's visual culture. Shaped by a vast wealth of influences from diverse styles, cultures, and eras today's visual culture is being once again evaluated, analyzed and interpreted by Robert Klanten, co-founder and publisher of Die Gestalten Verlag, and Matthias Hübner, a designer and editor. Die Gestalten Verlag is an independent media company based in Berlin. It's name is taken from a german double meaning both 'the creatures' and 'they create', and is divided into 2 divisions: the design studio and the publishing house. But as we will present their latest edition let's learn some more things about their publishing activities.

Jessica Walsh, Forget Regret from High Touch, Copyright Gestalten 2012

Client: Aizone, 2011, paint, model, Photo: Henry Hargreaves, Creative Direction: Ste- fan Sagmeister, Direction & Art Design: Jessica Walsh, Body Painting: Anastasia Durasova

The publishing department is firmly dedicated to creating, designing, publishing and distributing books and other media on contemporary visual culture. Since its founding in 1995, dgv has published more than one hundred and fifty titles documenting vital design movements in graphic art and photography. Its books remain on the cutting-edge of visual publishing, translating the latest developments in these fields into experimental yet professional publications, which are compiled, edited and designed by graphic designers. To be honest, I could not think of more specialized professionals for analyzing today's visual culture. Speaking of which...

Tomaas, Plastic Fantastic from High Touch, Copyright Gestalten 2012

Photos: TOMAAS, Stylist: Carla Engler, Make- up: Fiona Thatcher, Hair: Seiji Uehara, Post production: Elena Levenets

A new visual language is currently being formed out of the skillful and unusual combination of creative styles, as well as the use of an expanded range of materials and techniques. One of the most striking aspects of today’s visual culture is its handcrafted quality. The recent work of many creatives is characterized by craftsmanship and an intensive, even laborious exploration of the featured techniques, materials, or styles.

High touch is a term used in design theory to describe an accessible, human visuality. The book High Touch is a compilation of current work that is broadening and enriching this definition in a contemporary way. It presents a rich selection of innovative, often handmade design created with the full spectrum of materials and stylistic devices in existence today—all of which also strive to expand this palette of visual possibilities in a meaningful way.

Lucas Simões, Unmemory M.R.H. 2011, Unportrait—mora na filosofia 2011, Unmemory C.M. 2011, Unmemory M.E. 2011 from High Touch, Copyright Gestalten 2012

The examples featured in High Touch prove that the scope of application for this trailblazing work is enormous. It includes advertising, brand presentations, photography, product design, stage design, and scenography, as well as related fields that either exist already or that their creators have yet to invent.

Robert G. Bartholot, Geometric Homicide, 2009 from High Touch, Copyright Gestalten 2012

High Touch: Tactile Design and Visual Explorations

Edited by Robert Klanten, Matthias Hübner

European Release: August 2012

International Release: September 2012

Book Information

Editors: Robert Klanten, Matthias Hübner

Format: 24 x 28 cm

Features: 208 pages, full cover, hardcover

Language: English

ISBN: 978-3-89955-444-1

Price: €39.90 / $60.00 / £37.50

Image credits: From the book High Touch: Tactile Design and Visual Explorations, Copyright Gestalten 2012

www.gestalten.com

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