SELF-AUTHORSHIP | roetine & figure
This project required me to challenge the standard conventions of a book and create a self-authored one on my South African identity.
I decided on using my childhood boarding school routine as a narrative, as it’s unique in its countryside charm and it had a fundamental impact on my identity as a South African. I depicted this through the use of intertextuality with borrowed imagery which seemed nostalgic, with personal photographs as well. This then became the different plots to my weekly authoritarian routine between 2005 and 2011. The title of the book: “ROETINE & FIGURE”, which translates to: “ROUTINE & FIGURES”, captures the naive outlook of a young citizen. These are two of the few concerns of a child in a boarding school system - sticking to the stern routine and considering the people in it.
SPREADS
The mixed media/collage design technique enhances the childlike approach of the overall execution. This is inspired by rough zines and scrapbooks that look and feel authentically personal. Other conceptual motifs that help enforce this include the roughen edges of the pages, tape motif, image quality, imperfect binding, and language and grammar usage.
Packshots
Dust Jacket
The tape motif has various functions and meanings. The PVC-tape reminds me a lot and has a direct link to my dad, because he uses this regularly with repair work - it's also a very durable material. It also lends into the imperfect binding intention by creating a rough, DIY-look-and-feel for the spine. The masking tape just works well with the collage elements. It’s a secure way to keep all the contents of the book together and simultaneously be flexible, which is ideal for the materials to be placed in the folder pages.
The week’s narrative is printed double-sided on transparent plastic paper sleeves. This has a direct connotation with the retro overhead projector papers that were used for our presentations in primary school - lending it sentimental value. The transparency also allow the reader to view the collage depictions of what they’re reading, whilst reading it. It simultaneously provides a different dynamic and rhythm in perceiving the contents of the book.
