Adapt to Survive: Notes from the Future | Exhibition Catalogue and Collateral
This group exhibition, a collaboration between Concrete and Hayward Gallery, London, brought together artworks by seven international artists who imagine how our world might look and feel in the future; they are Andreas Angelidakis, Julian Charrière, Youmna Chlala, Rainer Ganahl, Marguerite Humeau, Ann Lislegaard and Bedwyr Williams.
Taking its title from the phrase adopted in recent years by the business sector, Adapt to Survive: Notes from the Future explored the idea that Darwin’s theory of evolution can serve as a metaphor for a future-facing strategy for survival and growth. Engaging with the idea of adaptation, the artists explored ideas of change and hybrid forms of architecture, biology, technology, and language. In recent years, the phrase ‘Adapt to Survive’ has been adopted by the entrepreneurial start-ups and professional ‘change-makers’, suggesting a fast-paced form of agency that is antithetical to Darwin’s concept of natural selection. At the same time, futurology has become established as an area of research combining game theory, statistics, and speculation. Like futurologists, the artists in Adapt to Survive make educated guesses about our society’s evolution and progression, but equally convey uncertainty and scepticism about our accelerating patterns of growth and consumption. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Cliff Lauson, Senior Curator, Hayward Gallery.
Taking into consideration the exhibition's subject, the exhibition catalogue is minimalist in its design. A heavyweight cardstock covers the book and a holographic foil finish, not commonly used in book design, creates a futuristic aesthetic. The cover uses die-cut, for the title of the catalogue, as a mechanism for allowing one of the artworks from the show to 'peek' through and entice the viewer. The justification and style of the type is inspired by computer code, using elements such as the back slash as a recurring graphic that is embodied throughout.
All collateral is designed in-house at Alserkal Avenue. © Copyright Alserkal Avenue.
Photography credit to Jandri Angelo Aguilor . Video Credit to Ibrahim Qasim.
Collateral and Signage Design by Assia Merazi, Maha Basaddiq.
