Presentation:
Sueh Li Tan
"Multilingualism in Malaysia"
Salt Beyoğlu
October 9, 2013 19.00
Hand-written multilingual signage found at a stall in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. (Source: Tan Zi Hao)
Multilingualism has recently captured the attention of many and has become more prominent amid globalisation. As cultural sensitivity and identity awareness are stressed today, multilingualism plays a visual role in manifesting political inclusiveness – also a commitment now shared by various designers and type practitioners. The phenomena of a multilingual community have been commonplace in Malaysia even long before the nation’s independence. What typographic conventions can one then observe from Malaysia’s multilingualism, and how has it developed and evolved?
Sueh Li Tan of Typokaki studio has been commissioned to design the seventh edition of SALT’s embedded Kraliçe typeface. Kraliçe is a typographic system by Project Projects that explores the transformation of immaterial goods through networks. Originally created as the identity program for SALT, Kraliçe is an open system that allows for accrued meaning over time. The institutional mark is distributed throughout the typeface as the four letters S-A-L-T. New designers are invited to reinterpret these four embedded characters on an ongoing basis, thereby reframing both the typeface and institution’s identity. The typeface may also come to find usages and audiences beyond its intended context for SALT.
Biography
Typokaki is typography and type design collective founded by Hui Chia Yin and Sueh Li Tan in 2012. The collective also includes a research associate, Tan Zi Hao, who writes on visual culture and politics. Typokaki’s working process is based on the principle that great design starts with thorough research and insight. They organize type workshops, events, and research dedicated to exploring typography and type design specific to Malaysian cultures.
The talk will be held in English.
Sueh Li Tan of Typokaki studio has been commissioned to design the seventh edition of SALT’s embedded Kraliçe typeface. Kraliçe is a typographic system by Project Projects that explores the transformation of immaterial goods through networks. Originally created as the identity program for SALT, Kraliçe is an open system that allows for accrued meaning over time. The institutional mark is distributed throughout the typeface as the four letters S-A-L-T. New designers are invited to reinterpret these four embedded characters on an ongoing basis, thereby reframing both the typeface and institution’s identity. The typeface may also come to find usages and audiences beyond its intended context for SALT.
Biography
Typokaki is typography and type design collective founded by Hui Chia Yin and Sueh Li Tan in 2012. The collective also includes a research associate, Tan Zi Hao, who writes on visual culture and politics. Typokaki’s working process is based on the principle that great design starts with thorough research and insight. They organize type workshops, events, and research dedicated to exploring typography and type design specific to Malaysian cultures.
The talk will be held in English.
