Faculty of Arts and Design

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A cinematographic survey of a selected alternative sub-culture in various locations
(2005) Gatfield, Rowan Christopher; Andrew, Richard Charles
This document discusses the motivation for and the process of making a 52 minute television Art documentary designed to inform and to create an awareness of the problem of modern culture and its impact on the environment. Drawing on qualitative research from a worldwide research journey, it investigates modern culture's socially conditioned state and how television has assisted to that end. It then explores the philosophical views and constructs behind the Sixties movement and Rainbow - an alternative social collective that evolved out of the Sixties Movement, and uses these findings to serve as the creative basis for the making of the film, The Search for Utopia.
Graphic design for social justice in South Africa
(2012-10-16) Ravjee, Latha; Andrew, Richard Charles; Sutherland, Ian Gilbert
In this dissertation I examine of the role of graphic design in the struggle for social justice in South Africa - with specific reference to the concept of human rights. I am motivated by an overwhelming awareness that the Bill of Rights in post-apartheid South Africa exists in striking contrast to the daily struggles for human dignity. In addressing this contradiction I present a historical examination that focuses on the visual impact of the creative combination of images and text to effect socioeconomic and political change. Drawing from Steve Biko’s philosophy of psychological liberation and Paulo Freire’s educational philosophy for critical thinking, I distinguish between propaganda and education. I take the stand that people are not really free if they blindly accept the myths of the established state order and I explore the various ways in which society is misguided by these myths. I argue that unlike graphic design that maintains the status quo and represents the propaganda of the established order, ‘graphic design for social justice’ represents the voice of people’s power against state power. Through this study and practice I conclude that the role of graphic design for social justice in South Africa is to uncover the myths of state power by presenting scenarios that encourage critical thinking, dialogue and open debate about power and the abuse of power in the continued struggle for human dignity. It is intended that this body of work, and the exhibition that results from it, contributes in part to the writing and documentation of a history of South African socio-political graphics.
An investigation into how creativity is maintained by graphic designers in a digital environment with specific reference to design practice
(2015) Human, Nic; Andrew, Richard Charles; Wells, Catherine Louise
The primary objective of this study was to find out how practising graphic designers maintain creativity in a digital environment. The study also investigated three factors that may positively influence their creativity. First, whether practising creative experimentation outside commercial constraints positively impacts a designer's ability to produce creative design. Second, how drawing assists original design. Third, whether enriching sensory stimulation helps graphic designers maintain creativity. An action research method was used. The project reviewed current literature and gathered empirical data through qualitative interviews and a workshop. In addition, a practical component was developed that consisted of drawings made from observation, drawings as concept experiments and examples of a commercial design and illustration. Results proved that creativity is a multifaceted phenomenon, and it plays a pivotal role in contemporary graphic design. The three factors, practising creative experimentation, drawing, and sensory enrichment, proved to be beneficial to the creative abilities of graphic designers. The study concluded by acknowledging the challenges of the digital era within the field, and the importance for practising graphic designers to maintain creativity.