Although the Golden Ratio was devised way, way back by ancient Greek mathematicians, you might remember it from such modern implementations as the Apple logo and an early incarnation of Twitter. But, honestly, it can be a total mind-fuck for non-designers to wrap their heads around.
Golden Meaning is a new book by GraphicDesign&, a publishing house in London, that puts a playful twist on the complex geometric relationship. Fifty-five folks in a variety of creative fields were commissioned to do their own interpretations and the result includes beautiful renderings of Rice Krispie squares, Beatles pics and typefaces.
Are they beautiful? Yes! Easy to interpret? Not necessarily! In terms of actually helping us to parse what the divine proportions are all about, I think Mark Hudson’s reworking of everyday objects is the most accessible, but I love-love Malika Favre’s be-striped woman — and they’re all pretty wonderful. Do you find the golden ratio easier to understand than I do? Which is your fave example?
If you’re super-keen, you can pre-order a copy of the book for £15 here. [Creative Review]
George Hardie
Homework
Jan Wright
Malika Favre
Adrian Talbot
Mark Hudson
Nathalie Lees
Nick Couch
Rose Blake
The Luxury of Protest