ABSURDISM
print, editorial
The Absurdism set consists of three experimental and interactive books, each representing a different level of understanding Absurdism. The books are user-centered in concept and design, and the screen-printed covers invite tactility and reinforce the
humanity of the topic.
The first book is the smallest, and represents the initial reaction to Absurdism– scary, dark and pessimistic. It is minimal in design, consisting of lines of dark, absurdist humor and "bad iPhone photography", creating an unsettling and uncomfortable reaction to the philosophy.
The second uses excerpts from Albert Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus, a text largely recognized for defining the Absurd, to teach the user more about Absurdism, and represents the middle stage of understanding. This is the stage where the user opens up to the ideas of Absurdism, it is still intimidating, but the user is introduced to the meaning of these concepts in a light that is positive and open to interpretation. The text is constantly broken up by marks and little absurdities that are meant to annoy and interrupt the reader while altogether reinforcing the core ideas of Absurdism.
The third book is the most experimental, and uses fill–in–the–blank and textured elements to encourage user–interaction. It uses open, positive language and focuses on an idea introduced in the second book, that, Absurdism is essential to happiness, and that humans can give meaning to their own lives. It represents the third stage of understanding: that life can mean or be whatever you want it to.
