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@ -3058,15 +3058,7 @@ alt="A screenshot from Wink!" />
<section id="section-10" class="section"> <section id="section-10" class="section">
<h1 id="section"></h1> <h1 id="section"></h1>
<hr /> <hr />
<p>Stephen Kerr</p> <hr />
<p></p>
<p>Thesis submitted to the Department of Experimental Publishing, Piet
Zwart Institute, Willem de Kooning Academy, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the final examination for the degree of Master of Arts
in Fine Art &amp; ⊞: Experimental Publishing.</p>
<p>Adviser: Marloes de Valk<br />
Second Reader: Joseph Knierzinger<br />
Word count: 7828 words</p>
<h4 id="to-de-sign-design-i-will-assign-a-sign">To de-sign design, I <h4 id="to-de-sign-design-i-will-assign-a-sign">To de-sign design, I
will assign a sign: ⊞</h4> will assign a sign: ⊞</h4>
<p>This symbol represents design in this writing in an attempt to avoid <p>This symbol represents design in this writing in an attempt to avoid
@ -3075,48 +3067,56 @@ mystify it, to examine its structure. The label ⊞ is a functional part
of a belief system involving order, structure, and rationality and I of a belief system involving order, structure, and rationality and I
want to break it. Removing the label is part of loosening the object, want to break it. Removing the label is part of loosening the object,
making it avilable to transition (Berlant, 2022).</p> making it avilable to transition (Berlant, 2022).</p>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/orange.jpg" class="image-45" <img src="../images/../images/orange.jpg" class="image-45"
alt="The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er, c. 100 CE." /> alt="The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er, c. 100 CE." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er, <figcaption aria-hidden="true">The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er,
c. 100 CE.</figcaption> c. 100 CE.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/Niggli-Grid-systems-in-graphic-design-7.jpg" class="image-95" <img src="../images/../images/Niggli-Grid-systems-in-graphic-design-7.jpg" class="image-95"
alt="Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef Muller-Brockmann, 1981" /> alt="Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef Muller-Brockmann, 1981" />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef <figcaption aria-hidden="true">Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef
Muller-Brockmann, 1981</figcaption> Muller-Brockmann, 1981</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/albuni2.jpg" class="image-95" <img src="../images/../images/albuni2.jpg" class="image-95"
alt="Shams al-Maarif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki, circa 1200." /> alt="Shams al-Maarif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki, circa 1200." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">Shams al-Maarif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki, <figcaption aria-hidden="true">Shams al-Maarif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki,
circa 1200.</figcaption> circa 1200.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/Simple_carthesian_coordinate_system.svg" class="image-95" <img src="../images/../images/Simple_carthesian_coordinate_system.svg" class="image-95"
alt="Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes, 1637." /> alt="Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes, 1637." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes, <figcaption aria-hidden="true">Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes,
1637.</figcaption> 1637.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/art-josef-albers-study-for-homage-to-the-square-69.1917.jpg" <img src="../images/../images/art-josef-albers-study-for-homage-to-the-square-69.1917.jpg"
class="image-95" alt="Homage to the Square, Josef Albers, 1954." /> class="image-95" alt="Homage to the Square, Josef Albers, 1954." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">Homage to the Square, Josef Albers, <figcaption aria-hidden="true">Homage to the Square, Josef Albers,
1954.</figcaption> 1954.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/TheoVAnDoesburgCounterCompositionVI.jpg" class="image-45" <img src="../images/../images/TheoVAnDoesburgCounterCompositionVI.jpg" class="image-45"
alt="Counter Composition VI, Theo Van Doesburg, 1925." /> alt="Counter Composition VI, Theo Van Doesburg, 1925." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">Counter Composition VI, Theo Van <figcaption aria-hidden="true">Counter Composition VI, Theo Van
Doesburg, 1925.</figcaption> Doesburg, 1925.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/po-valley2.png" class="image-95" <img src="../images/../images/po-valley2.png" class="image-95"
alt="The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268 BCE." /> alt="The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268 BCE." />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268 <figcaption aria-hidden="true">The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268
BCE.</figcaption> BCE.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr />
<figure> <figure>
<img src="../images/../images/pietzwart.jpg" class="image-45" <img src="../images/../images/pietzwart.jpg" class="image-45"
alt="Monogram, Piet Zwart, c. 1968." /> alt="Monogram, Piet Zwart, c. 1968." />
@ -3124,6 +3124,7 @@ alt="Monogram, Piet Zwart, c. 1968." />
c. 1968.</figcaption> c. 1968.</figcaption>
</figure> </figure>
<hr /> <hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="introduction">Introduction</h4> <h4 id="introduction">Introduction</h4>
<p>This document is a collection of fragments exploring beliefs about <p>This document is a collection of fragments exploring beliefs about
labour in the creative industries, in particular graphic ⊞. Each labour in the creative industries, in particular graphic ⊞. Each
@ -3150,6 +3151,7 @@ cultural webs. In my practice-based research I gather and tell these
stories through (auto)ethnographic methods: documenting how ⊞ers work, stories through (auto)ethnographic methods: documenting how ⊞ers work,
conducting interviews, improvising communal performances and exploratory conducting interviews, improvising communal performances and exploratory
tool-making. This document collates and reflects on this research. </p> tool-making. This document collates and reflects on this research. </p>
<hr />
<h4 id="what-is-a-er">What is a ⊞er?</h4> <h4 id="what-is-a-er">What is a ⊞er?</h4>
<ol type="1"> <ol type="1">
<li><em>A ⊞er is a person who wakes up at 5am but refuses to open their <li><em>A ⊞er is a person who wakes up at 5am but refuses to open their
@ -3172,6 +3174,7 @@ than last week when there was no work. ⊞ers look at their phone and see
their alarm is going to go off in ten minutes, so they switch it off and their alarm is going to go off in ten minutes, so they switch it off and
get up.</em></li> get up.</em></li>
</ol> </ol>
<hr />
<p>The precarity of working in the creative industries, in particular as <p>The precarity of working in the creative industries, in particular as
a freelancer or within a small studio, induces anxiety. There is a a freelancer or within a small studio, induces anxiety. There is a
belief that the ⊞er as freelancer is empowered by their autonomy, but in belief that the ⊞er as freelancer is empowered by their autonomy, but in
@ -3195,6 +3198,7 @@ and expertise which makes them stressed. ⊞ers are a creative cloud, a
service to be tapped into, a cpu being run too hot. There is something service to be tapped into, a cpu being run too hot. There is something
to be learnt from the revelation that being replaced by machines proves to be learnt from the revelation that being replaced by machines proves
we were being treated as machines all along. </p> we were being treated as machines all along. </p>
<hr />
<h4 id="geestelijk">Geestelijk</h4> <h4 id="geestelijk">Geestelijk</h4>
<p>There was a belief that ⊞ could be a crystal goblet (Warde, 1913), <p>There was a belief that ⊞ could be a crystal goblet (Warde, 1913),
something unbiased, clear and, in more recent versions of the theory, something unbiased, clear and, in more recent versions of the theory,
@ -3209,14 +3213,14 @@ men. Purity is a concept that turns up a lot in Mondriaans writings, eg
<em>Neo-Plasticism in Pictorial Art</em> (1917). They claimed a shared <em>Neo-Plasticism in Pictorial Art</em> (1917). They claimed a shared
spirit was driving this universalisation. A later paragraph of the spirit was driving this universalisation. A later paragraph of the
manifesto is translated into english as:</p> manifesto is translated into english as:</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“The artists of to-day have been driven the whole world over by the <p>“The artists of to-day have been driven the whole world over by the
same consciousness and therefore have taken part from an intellectual same consciousness and therefore have taken part from an intellectual
point of view in this war against the domination of individual point of view in this war against the domination of individual
despotism. They therefore sympathize with all who work for the formation despotism. They therefore sympathize with all who work for the formation
of an international unity in Life, Art, Culture, either intellectually of an international unity in Life, Art, Culture, either intellectually
or materially.”</li> or materially.”</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<p>In this translation it appears the authors believed in an emerging <p>In this translation it appears the authors believed in an emerging
consciousness of the age, something collective which would bring an consciousness of the age, something collective which would bring an
international unity. The members of De Stijl were neither aligning international unity. The members of De Stijl were neither aligning
@ -3229,14 +3233,14 @@ choice to translate as intellectual seems to be the most rational
interpretation of this sentence, an effort to make the theories of De interpretation of this sentence, an effort to make the theories of De
Stijl appear more materialist without the spiritual element. Compare Stijl appear more materialist without the spiritual element. Compare
with this translation:</p> with this translation:</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“The artists of today, all over the world, impelled by one and the <p>“The artists of today, all over the world, impelled by one and the
same consciousness, have taken part on the spiritual plane in the world same consciousness, have taken part on the spiritual plane in the world
war against the domination of individualism, of arbitrariness. They war against the domination of individualism, of arbitrariness. They
therefore sympathise with all who are fighting spiritually or materially therefore sympathise with all who are fighting spiritually or materially
for the formation of an international unity in life, art and for the formation of an international unity in life, art and
culture.”</li> culture.”</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<p>In this translation it is clearer that the members of De Stijl saw a <p>In this translation it is clearer that the members of De Stijl saw a
link between the effects of what they made materially and their attempts link between the effects of what they made materially and their attempts
to be fighting spiritually against the domination of individualism. I to be fighting spiritually against the domination of individualism. I
@ -3270,7 +3274,6 @@ recipient of the Catherine Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award for his
contribution to ⊞ in Ireland and is the Course Director of ⊞ West, an contribution to ⊞ in Ireland and is the Course Director of ⊞ West, an
international summer ⊞ school located in the beautiful village of international summer ⊞ school located in the beautiful village of
Letterfrack on the West Coast of Ireland</em>. (⊞west.eu, 2023)</p> Letterfrack on the West Coast of Ireland</em>. (⊞west.eu, 2023)</p>
<hr />
<ul> <ul>
<li>SK: What do you think is the best shape?</li> <li>SK: What do you think is the best shape?</li>
<li>CC: Oh yeah, good god. square.</li> <li>CC: Oh yeah, good god. square.</li>
@ -3298,6 +3301,7 @@ their stuff and think well thats just beyond me.</li>
<li>CC: Oh good god. Good god no.</li> <li>CC: Oh good god. Good god no.</li>
</ul> </ul>
<!-- --> <!-- -->
<hr />
<h4 id="maths-and-grids">Maths and grids</h4> <h4 id="maths-and-grids">Maths and grids</h4>
<p>Why not choose a spiral or a circle if you dream of ⊞ers as shamans? <p>Why not choose a spiral or a circle if you dream of ⊞ers as shamans?
Why the grid of squares? There are strong links beween ⊞ and Why the grid of squares? There are strong links beween ⊞ and
@ -3318,18 +3322,22 @@ were or are the beliefs of the authors and their audiences?<br />
    <br />     <br />
    <br />     <br />
    <br />     <br />
    <br />
    <br />
    <br />
    </p>     </p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“To describe the problem is part of the solution. This implies: not <p>“To describe the problem is part of the solution. This implies: not
to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by intellectual to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by intellectual
criteria. The more exact and complete these criteria are, the more criteria. The more exact and complete these criteria are, the more
creative the work becomes.”</li> creative the work becomes.” (Gerstner, 1964)</p>
<li>(Gerstner, 1964)</li> </blockquote>
<li>“This is the expression of a professional ethos: the ⊞ers work <hr />
<blockquote>
<p>“This is the expression of a professional ethos: the ⊞ers work
should have the clearly intelligible, objective, functional and should have the clearly intelligible, objective, functional and
aesthetic quality of mathematical thinking.”</li> aesthetic quality of mathematical thinking.” (Muller-Brockman, 1981)</p>
<li>(Muller-Brockman, 1981)</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>These texts present a worldview where ⊞ can be mathematical, <p>These texts present a worldview where ⊞ can be mathematical,
objective or problem-solving. In Muller-Brockmans text the focus is on objective or problem-solving. In Muller-Brockmans text the focus is on
the formal qualities of the ⊞ in particular the use of grids and the formal qualities of the ⊞ in particular the use of grids and
@ -3345,6 +3353,7 @@ same historical period when science and mathematics, its supposed
foundations, became much less rational and predictable, for example in foundations, became much less rational and predictable, for example in
chaos theory. It makes me think that the rationality serves some other chaos theory. It makes me think that the rationality serves some other
purpose.</p> purpose.</p>
<hr />
<h4 id="the-grid-and-the-written-word">The ⊞ grid and the written <h4 id="the-grid-and-the-written-word">The ⊞ grid and the written
word</h4> word</h4>
<p>Why do ⊞ers believe in using a grid to present the written word, and <p>Why do ⊞ers believe in using a grid to present the written word, and
@ -3359,15 +3368,14 @@ theories from both of these fields affected later ⊞ theories. But they
also were poets and had literary theories similar to the german also were poets and had literary theories similar to the german
expressionists. Mans attempt to find oneness with the whole of creation expressionists. Mans attempt to find oneness with the whole of creation
through a cosmic hybris. </p> through a cosmic hybris. </p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“An artists book featuring a series of typewriter concrete poems <p>“An artists book featuring a series of typewriter concrete poems
printed on perforated pages meant to be torn out and arranged into a printed on perforated pages meant to be torn out and arranged into a
square of four. Complete with instructions, a reproduction of a de Stijl square of four. Complete with instructions, a reproduction of a de Stijl
manifesto from 1920, an errata slip, and publishers promotional manifesto from 1920, an errata slip, and publishers promotional
postcard.”</li> postcard.” Description of Steve McCaffreys <em>CARNIVAL</em><br />
<li>Description of Steve McCaffreys <em>CARNIVAL</em><br /> (The Idea of the Book, 2024)</p>
(The Idea of the Book, 2024)</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<hr /> <hr />
<p>The developments of the written word and its relationship to form in <p>The developments of the written word and its relationship to form in
the 20th century is very much a part of the history of ⊞. I care about the 20th century is very much a part of the history of ⊞. I care about
@ -3378,12 +3386,12 @@ non-canonical for ⊞ers but how have people who put words on pages like
Mallarmé and McCaffrey influenced my beliefs about the written word? Mallarmé and McCaffrey influenced my beliefs about the written word?
What makes one thing fit in the category of art, another ⊞ and yet What makes one thing fit in the category of art, another ⊞ and yet
another concrete poetry?</p> another concrete poetry?</p>
<hr />
<h4 id="mystically-assigning-or-finding-meanings-in">Mystically <h4 id="mystically-assigning-or-finding-meanings-in">Mystically
assigning or finding meanings in ⊞</h4> assigning or finding meanings in ⊞</h4>
<p>This autoethnographic annotation attempts to really miss as many <p>This autoethnographic annotation attempts to really miss as many
cultural and technical cues as possible. Its watching the ⊞er, me, and cultural and technical cues as possible. Its watching the ⊞er, me, and
being totally mystified by their behaviour. </p> being totally mystified by their behaviour. </p>
<hr />
<ol type="1"> <ol type="1">
<li><em>A rhythm exists and I wonder why. There is music and there are <li><em>A rhythm exists and I wonder why. There is music and there are
voices, and my fingers press the keys and the colours of the screen voices, and my fingers press the keys and the colours of the screen
@ -3417,38 +3425,36 @@ it value perfection in me, what is it trying to teach me? Why wont it
leave me alone?</em></li> leave me alone?</em></li>
<li><em>I have taken eleven of the forty steps. I will rest.</em></li> <li><em>I have taken eleven of the forty steps. I will rest.</em></li>
</ol> </ol>
<hr />
<h4 <h4
id="what-does-do-what-is-the-er-trying-to-do-by-pressing-all-these-buttons-and-making-the-screen-vibrate">What id="what-does-do-what-is-the-er-trying-to-do-by-pressing-all-these-buttons-and-making-the-screen-vibrate">What
does ⊞ do? What is the ⊞er trying to do by pressing all these buttons does ⊞ do? What is the ⊞er trying to do by pressing all these buttons
and making the screen vibrate?</h4> and making the screen vibrate?</h4>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li><em></em>⊞ only generates longing”</li> <p><em></em>⊞ only generates longing” (Van Der Velden, 2006)</p>
<li>(Van Der Velden, 2006)</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>I wasnt trying to generate longing, I was trying to make an annual <p>I wasnt trying to generate longing, I was trying to make an annual
report. It was a corporate job I was working on, a nice one to have report. It was a corporate job I was working on, a nice one to have
because its fairly well paid and not too complicated. A bit boring and because its fairly well paid and not too complicated. A bit boring and
kinda repetitive, but you can just put your headphones on and get stuck kinda repetitive, but you can just put your headphones on and get stuck
into it. I was pretty happy with the results in the end, but for sure into it. I was pretty happy with the results in the end, but for sure
not the type of work youre supposed to be proud of as a ⊞er.</p> not the type of work youre supposed to be proud of as a ⊞er.</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li><em></em>I found myself way over my head with, believe it or not, a <p><em></em>I found myself way over my head with, believe it or not, a
catalogue and price list for bathroom equipment. Nothing Ive done since catalogue and price list for bathroom equipment. Nothing Ive done since
has seemed as difficult.”</li> has seemed as difficult.” (Bierut, 2018)</p>
<li>Michael Bierut (creativechair.org, 2018)</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>And of course Piet Zwarts (Figure 8) famous electrical cable <p>And of course Piet Zwarts (Figure 8) famous electrical cable
catalogues. ⊞ is just work, chill. Is a ⊞er a user or a server? Maybe ⊞ catalogues. ⊞ is just work, chill. Is a ⊞er a user or a server? Maybe ⊞
is an example of our general belief in this dichotomy not quite making is an example of our general belief in this dichotomy not quite making
sense or fitting reality. The ⊞er is working for whom? Themselves? Their sense or fitting reality. The ⊞er is working for whom? Themselves? Their
clients?</p> clients?</p>
<hr /> <hr />
<ul> <blockquote>
<li><em></em>attempts to undo the privileged position of the agentive <p><em></em>attempts to undo the privileged position of the agentive
subject can help us understand the strange status of repetitive and subject can help us understand the strange status of repetitive and
quasi-robotic labour in todays digital age.”</li> quasi-robotic labour in todays digital age.” (Hu, 2022)</p>
<li>(Hu, 2022)</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>This quote relates to freelancing generally in some way, and <p>This quote relates to freelancing generally in some way, and
deconstructing the work or worker. Are workers things? Yeah, kinda. ⊞ers deconstructing the work or worker. Are workers things? Yeah, kinda. ⊞ers
dont have super powers, contrary to some beliefs within the industry. dont have super powers, contrary to some beliefs within the industry.
@ -3460,16 +3466,14 @@ failures of ⊞, not attributes of information” (Tufte, 1990, p.53). What
if the sounds of my fingers and my keyboard are not noise but music: we if the sounds of my fingers and my keyboard are not noise but music: we
are quasi-robots and maybe its good to listen to our little Taylorist are quasi-robots and maybe its good to listen to our little Taylorist
finger tappings and see what else is being said.</p> finger tappings and see what else is being said.</p>
<hr />
<h4 <h4
id="excerpt-from-an-interview-with-the-members-of-distinctive-repetition-on-1st-december-2023.">Excerpt id="excerpt-from-an-interview-with-the-members-of-distinctive-repetition.">Excerpt
from an interview with the members of Distinctive Repetition on 1st from an interview with the members of Distinctive Repetition.</h4>
December 2023.</h4> <p>Principal ⊞er Rossi McAuley is joined in this interview by ⊞ers Jenny
<p>Distinctive Repetition is an award-winning graphic ⊞ studio based in Leahy and Ben Nagle. This interview was carried out around a table with
Dublin, Ireland. Principal ⊞er and Institute of Creative Advertising and the interviewer in the bottom right corner (◲) and the three members of
⊞ past-president, Rossi McAuley, is joined in this interview by ⊞ers the studio in the other seats.</p>
Jenny Leahy and Ben Nagle. This interview was carried out around a table
with the interviewer in the bottom right corner (◲) and the three
members of the studio in the other three seats.</p>
<ul> <ul>
<li>◲: whats your favourite colour?</li> <li>◲: whats your favourite colour?</li>
<li>◰: red.</li> <li>◰: red.</li>
@ -3509,9 +3513,9 @@ done, and i was opening up drawers in my office and I was like, just use
this grid and the drawers were full of grids and I was giving them to this grid and the drawers were full of grids and I was giving them to
her and saying just fucking use those grids for fucks sake why dont we her and saying just fucking use those grids for fucks sake why dont we
use those grids.</li> use those grids.</li>
<li>(section redacted by request of interviewees)</li>
</ul> </ul>
<!-- --> <!-- -->
<hr />
<h4 id="about-the-interview">About the interview</h4> <h4 id="about-the-interview">About the interview</h4>
<p>Before meeting them in person, I mailed a small booklet to the <p>Before meeting them in person, I mailed a small booklet to the
interviewees entitled <em>Enthusiasm</em> to give context to the interviewees entitled <em>Enthusiasm</em> to give context to the
@ -3522,8 +3526,8 @@ that influenced his later work on rationalism, and related to his work
on geometry and grids (Figure 4). As well as the content of the dreams, on geometry and grids (Figure 4). As well as the content of the dreams,
the booklet described their relevance:<br /> the booklet described their relevance:<br />
    </p>     </p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“404 years ago on the night of the 10th November 1619, three dreams <p>“404 years ago on the night of the 10th November 1619, three dreams
were dreamt. A 23-year old man is “filled with enthusiasm” and enters a were dreamt. A 23-year old man is “filled with enthusiasm” and enters a
feverish sleep in Ulm, Germany. In this process of enthusiasm and feverish sleep in Ulm, Germany. In this process of enthusiasm and
dreamwork, he discovers the foundations of a wonderful science. <em>The dreamwork, he discovers the foundations of a wonderful science. <em>The
@ -3534,8 +3538,8 @@ The cartesian grid uses measurements to estabish relationships.
Cartesian geometry has let us fly spaceships and zone and divide land. Cartesian geometry has let us fly spaceships and zone and divide land.
Some things have happened. Some good things, some bad things. The link Some things have happened. Some good things, some bad things. The link
is broken or breaking or should be broken. Its rotting. Maybe theres a is broken or breaking or should be broken. Its rotting. Maybe theres a
better way we can interpret these dreams now.”</li> better way we can interpret these dreams now.”</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<p>Descartes felt that interpreting his dreams was an appropriate method <p>Descartes felt that interpreting his dreams was an appropriate method
to develop a rational theory of skepticism, which led to some of the to develop a rational theory of skepticism, which led to some of the
philosophical foundations of modern scientific and mathematical philosophical foundations of modern scientific and mathematical
@ -3548,10 +3552,10 @@ belief, rationalism and grids. The fact that rationalism is a belief
system, as pervasive as it may be, and suggestively hinting through its system, as pervasive as it may be, and suggestively hinting through its
<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px">relationship with grids that there <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px">relationship with grids that there
is a relationship with ⊞.</span></p> is a relationship with ⊞.</span></p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>◳: jelly thats not quite solid, not quite solidified in the fridge <p>◳: jelly thats not quite solid, not quite solidified in the fridge
yet and its just oozing through my fingers</li> yet and its just oozing through my fingers</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<!-- --> <!-- -->
<p>They seem so sad it hurts to hear them talk about the oozing. Are you <p>They seem so sad it hurts to hear them talk about the oozing. Are you
supposed to put jelly in the fridge, it just needs time to settle right? supposed to put jelly in the fridge, it just needs time to settle right?
@ -3562,12 +3566,12 @@ way it should be but its still jelly and thats fun and its probably
delicious. Their hands are there as something that is for grasping and delicious. Their hands are there as something that is for grasping and
jelly is there as something that cant be grasped. Is it terrifying, are jelly is there as something that cant be grasped. Is it terrifying, are
they resigned to it? </p> they resigned to it? </p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>◱: theyre always angst-ridden, never, theyre never eh, theyre <p>◱: theyre always angst-ridden, never, theyre never eh, theyre
never positive solution-solved things, weve always like lists and lists never positive solution-solved things, weve always like lists and lists
and lists of things to do theyre never resolved theyre always like and lists of things to do theyre never resolved theyre always like
shit weve, its, its always problematic, and its all the time.</li> shit weve, its, its always problematic, and its all the time.</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<p>I cant explain the angst they are feeling but I can describe it <p>I cant explain the angst they are feeling but I can describe it
because Ive felt it too. It feels like Im having a heart attack. It because Ive felt it too. It feels like Im having a heart attack. It
feels like Im about to black out. It got to a stage where I couldnt feels like Im about to black out. It got to a stage where I couldnt
@ -3575,9 +3579,9 @@ talk to other people without being completely frozen jelly. It is the
feeling of lists and lists and lists. Its the feeling of never feeling of lists and lists and lists. Its the feeling of never
resolved, all the time. We believe we are busy and under pressure and resolved, all the time. We believe we are busy and under pressure and
struggling to survive. That makes us anxious and stressed.</p> struggling to survive. That makes us anxious and stressed.</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>◱: just fucking use those grids</li> <p>◱: just fucking use those grids</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<!-- --> <!-- -->
<p>The grids are not being used, the grids are useless. Drawers full of <p>The grids are not being used, the grids are useless. Drawers full of
them, all useless. Whats the point of sitting here in this studio. They them, all useless. Whats the point of sitting here in this studio. They
@ -3585,12 +3589,11 @@ dont fit, they dont make sense, theyre trying to order something that
cant be ordered. Or possibly shouldnt be ordered, the ordering is cant be ordered. Or possibly shouldnt be ordered, the ordering is
misplaced and there is a human urge to stop, just stop.</p> misplaced and there is a human urge to stop, just stop.</p>
<h4 id="modern-work">Modern work</h4> <h4 id="modern-work">Modern work</h4>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“A cause becomes unmodern at the moment when our feelings revolt, <p>“A cause becomes unmodern at the moment when our feelings revolt, and
and as soon as we feel ourselves becoming ridiculous”</li> as soon as we feel ourselves becoming ridiculous” Adolf Loos, <em>On
<li>Adolf Loos, <em>On Thrift,</em> 1924 (Loos, 2019)</li> Thrift,</em> 1924 (Loos, 2019)</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<hr />
<p>Adolf Loos was a modernist architect whose writings such as <p>Adolf Loos was a modernist architect whose writings such as
<em>Ornament and Crime</em> in 1910 influenced modernist ideals of <em>Ornament and Crime</em> in 1910 influenced modernist ideals of
functionalism and minimalism. He rejected ornament and favoured the use functionalism and minimalism. He rejected ornament and favoured the use
@ -3601,8 +3604,7 @@ earlier. Work as a duty which benefits the individual and society as a
whole, do ⊞ers still believe this today? I like taking Loos quote out whole, do ⊞ers still believe this today? I like taking Loos quote out
of context here, instead in the context of the feelings of the of context here, instead in the context of the feelings of the
interviewees, revolting the supposedly modern cause they are working interviewees, revolting the supposedly modern cause they are working
with. </p> with. But also Loos was found guilty of pedophelia and it feels kind of
<p>But also Loos was found guilty of pedophelia and it feels kind of
aggressive to include his voice here at all. This is part of the point aggressive to include his voice here at all. This is part of the point
of what Im getting at: theres this tradition of ⊞ and so many parts of of what Im getting at: theres this tradition of ⊞ and so many parts of
it make me uncomfortable or really disgusted and I dont know what to do it make me uncomfortable or really disgusted and I dont know what to do
@ -3623,6 +3625,7 @@ self employed or part of an independent studio brings anxiety and
challenges. Some ⊞ers try to structure the world around them and like challenges. Some ⊞ers try to structure the world around them and like
things to be neat and tidy, which makes us uncomfortable existing in things to be neat and tidy, which makes us uncomfortable existing in
precarious work conditions.</p> precarious work conditions.</p>
<hr />
<h4 id="the-roman-grid">The Roman grid</h4> <h4 id="the-roman-grid">The Roman grid</h4>
<p>The Roman grid was a land measurement method used in the Roman <p>The Roman grid was a land measurement method used in the Roman
colonies for example in the Po Valley (Figure 7). With a surveying tool colonies for example in the Po Valley (Figure 7). With a surveying tool
@ -3635,13 +3638,12 @@ referring to the surveying tool, describes the central point of the
grid, the origin. Is making grids just a way to control and colonise? Do grid, the origin. Is making grids just a way to control and colonise? Do
all grids have origins? In Descartes use of the grid there was also an all grids have origins? In Descartes use of the grid there was also an
attempt to order and structure chaos:</p> attempt to order and structure chaos:</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“the grid allowed an embrace of complexity: curved lines that could <p>“the grid allowed an embrace of complexity: curved lines that could
be described by mathematical formulas, and thereby were not a sign of be described by mathematical formulas, and thereby were not a sign of
chaos but an expression of the divine mathematical order assumed to be chaos but an expression of the divine mathematical order assumed to be
underlying nature.”</li> underlying nature.” (Driessen, 2020)</p>
<li>Descartes was Here, Clemens Driessen, 2020</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>A part of the belief systems of ⊞ers is that the world is chaotic and <p>A part of the belief systems of ⊞ers is that the world is chaotic and
their role is to order it or even simplify it. This belief may be their role is to order it or even simplify it. This belief may be
inherited from a wider cultural belief of the same general drive: to inherited from a wider cultural belief of the same general drive: to
@ -3649,9 +3651,9 @@ order and simplify. Humans try to make sense of the world. ⊞ers make
sense of ⊞ briefs and structure them into something understandable to an sense of ⊞ briefs and structure them into something understandable to an
audience or target market. </p> audience or target market. </p>
<hr /> <hr />
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>◱: for fucks sake why dont we use those grids</li> <p>◱: for fucks sake why dont we use those grids</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<!-- --> <!-- -->
<p>Is there an answer to this question, do they know the answer to this <p>Is there an answer to this question, do they know the answer to this
question? I get the impression they have a gut feeling about the answer question? I get the impression they have a gut feeling about the answer
@ -3660,11 +3662,11 @@ but are afraid of it.</p>
analysis of a joke about ⊞ in the early 21st century</h4> analysis of a joke about ⊞ in the early 21st century</h4>
<p>When reviewing the AIGA Next conference in Denver Colorado, 2008, ⊞ <p>When reviewing the AIGA Next conference in Denver Colorado, 2008, ⊞
critic Adrian Shaughnessy tells a joke:</p> critic Adrian Shaughnessy tells a joke:</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li>“The venue was shared with a beer festival, but it was easy to tell <p>“The venue was shared with a beer festival, but it was easy to tell
the ⊞ers from the beer fans. The beer fans were more serious.”</li> the ⊞ers from the beer fans. The beer fans were more serious.”
<li>(Shaughnessy, 2013)</li> (Shaughnessy, 2013)</p>
</ul> </blockquote>
<p>This joke is funny because in the setup where it is easy to tell them <p>This joke is funny because in the setup where it is easy to tell them
apart, the reader should assume the beer fans are drunk and therefore apart, the reader should assume the beer fans are drunk and therefore
raucous, misbehaving or maybe just having a lot of fun. But then he raucous, misbehaving or maybe just having a lot of fun. But then he
@ -3712,6 +3714,7 @@ part. </p>
keystrokes on my computer. Then I printed them out with a pen plotter to keystrokes on my computer. Then I printed them out with a pen plotter to
celebrate the labour that had taken place. It took several hours to plot celebrate the labour that had taken place. It took several hours to plot
the keylogging data from just a few minutes of the ⊞ers labour. </p> the keylogging data from just a few minutes of the ⊞ers labour. </p>
<hr />
<h4 id="libreoffice">LibreOffice</h4> <h4 id="libreoffice">LibreOffice</h4>
<ol type="1"> <ol type="1">
<li><em>I have no idea what any of this structuring does. And I dont <li><em>I have no idea what any of this structuring does. And I dont
@ -3747,12 +3750,11 @@ modifying my tools, this is easier technically and legally with open
source software. I would prefer my tools to be developed by me and my source software. I would prefer my tools to be developed by me and my
peers. These are some of my beliefs as a ⊞er about my work and my tools. peers. These are some of my beliefs as a ⊞er about my work and my tools.
Theyre a bit idealistic but also optimistic in a good way.</p> Theyre a bit idealistic but also optimistic in a good way.</p>
<ul> <blockquote>
<li><em>my god im trying to use scribus to prepare a booklet</em><br /> <p><em>my god im trying to use scribus to prepare a booklet</em><br />
<em>im going crazy</em><br /> <em>im going crazy</em><br />
<em>im going crazy</em></li> <em>im going crazy</em> (kamo, 2024)</p>
<li>Correspondance with kamo, 2024</li> </blockquote>
</ul>
<p>Transitioning to open source software sucks. I spent years learning <p>Transitioning to open source software sucks. I spent years learning
other tools and its like starting all over again. There is a dual other tools and its like starting all over again. There is a dual
commitment in my beliefs about how my tools should be built and my commitment in my beliefs about how my tools should be built and my
@ -3765,9 +3767,9 @@ entangled in capitalist ways of working, it can be immobilising to try
to act without engaging with the icky parts. Our dependencies on to act without engaging with the icky parts. Our dependencies on
ecosystems of tools and workflows are not enforced, but it can be ecosystems of tools and workflows are not enforced, but it can be
difficult to exist outside them, or more specifically, beside them.</p> difficult to exist outside them, or more specifically, beside them.</p>
<ol type="1"> <blockquote>
<li><em>“And I dont care.” </em></li> <p><em>“And I dont care.” </em></p>
</ol> </blockquote>
<p>Its so obviously not true. The conflict of wanting to change my <p>Its so obviously not true. The conflict of wanting to change my
workflow with wanting to complete my work tasks efficiently doesnt keep workflow with wanting to complete my work tasks efficiently doesnt keep
me up at night, but it is important to me and other ⊞ers. Open source ⊞ me up at night, but it is important to me and other ⊞ers. Open source ⊞
@ -3791,7 +3793,6 @@ proprietary font. There is a visual difference between these fonts too
which is also relevant buuuuut this description is getting very detailed which is also relevant buuuuut this description is getting very detailed
maybe not right now.</em></li> maybe not right now.</em></li>
</ol> </ol>
<hr />
<p>Similarly to the software changes, this documentation of my practice <p>Similarly to the software changes, this documentation of my practice
sees me choosing open source fonts. Im really ambivalent about this. I sees me choosing open source fonts. Im really ambivalent about this. I
do like the idea of being able to modify a font when needed, but I have do like the idea of being able to modify a font when needed, but I have
@ -3826,6 +3827,7 @@ value do ⊞ers, specifically typographers, see in their work and that of
their close peers, the font ⊞ers, and how does copyright relate to these their close peers, the font ⊞ers, and how does copyright relate to these
values?</p> values?</p>
<hr /> <hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="follow-up-questions-for-conor">Follow up questions for <h4 id="follow-up-questions-for-conor">Follow up questions for
Conor</h4> Conor</h4>
<p>Hey Conor, hope youre keeping well these days? Ive been going <p>Hey Conor, hope youre keeping well these days? Ive been going
@ -3845,6 +3847,7 @@ totally fine with anonymising, removing, or editing.  </p>
<p>Thanks,<br /> <p>Thanks,<br />
Stephen</p> Stephen</p>
<hr /> <hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="follow-up-questions-for">Follow up questions for ◱</h4> <h4 id="follow-up-questions-for">Follow up questions for ◱</h4>
<p>Yo ◱, hope alls good with you these days? </p> <p>Yo ◱, hope alls good with you these days? </p>
<p>Ive been piecing together the interviews from December and Id love <p>Ive been piecing together the interviews from December and Id love
@ -3869,6 +3872,7 @@ totally fine with anonymising, removing, or editing.</p>
<p>Thanks,<br /> <p>Thanks,<br />
Stephen</p> Stephen</p>
<hr /> <hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="follow-up-questions-for-1">Follow up questions for ◳</h4> <h4 id="follow-up-questions-for-1">Follow up questions for ◳</h4>
<p>Hey ◳, hope youre good! </p> <p>Hey ◳, hope youre good! </p>
<p>Im thinking of putting this section of the interview we did back in <p>Im thinking of putting this section of the interview we did back in
@ -3890,6 +3894,7 @@ any thoughts or maybe you meant something completely different.</p>
totally fine with anonymising, removing, or editing.  </p> totally fine with anonymising, removing, or editing.  </p>
<p>Thanks,<br /> <p>Thanks,<br />
Stephen</p> Stephen</p>
<hr />
<h4 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h4> <h4 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h4>
<p>The title of this document, ⊞, was borrowed from the mathematical <p>The title of this document, ⊞, was borrowed from the mathematical
theory of free probability where it symbolises free additive theory of free probability where it symbolises free additive
@ -3915,6 +3920,7 @@ The fragments have been situated and subjective rather than objective,
they have been outside of categories because the categories are broken they have been outside of categories because the categories are broken
anyway. </p> anyway. </p>
<hr /> <hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="conclusion-1">Conclusion</h4> <h4 id="conclusion-1">Conclusion</h4>
<p>Last night I dreamt I was standing on a hill in the Swiss Alps and <p>Last night I dreamt I was standing on a hill in the Swiss Alps and
you were there and all of our friends and the hill was covered in little you were there and all of our friends and the hill was covered in little
@ -3923,28 +3929,60 @@ the sky opened in two and a ring of light so bright it nearly blinded me
came out of my chest and yours and they all merged into eachother and came out of my chest and yours and they all merged into eachother and
everyone opened their mouths to sing and the air was filled with so many everyone opened their mouths to sing and the air was filled with so many
sounds and one ⊞er walked up to me and smiled and said </p> sounds and one ⊞er walked up to me and smiled and said </p>
<p><br><br />
<br><br />
<br></p>
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul>
<li>“I dunno, Im more confused than ever”</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><br><br />
<br><br />
<br></p>
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul>
<li>and they said </li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><br><br />
<br><br />
<br></p>
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul>
<li>and then you said</li>
</ul>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul> <ul>
<li><p>“I dunno, Im more confused than ever”</p></li> <li>“a funny feeling its a bit weird”</li>
<li><p>and they said </p></li>
<li><p>and then you said</p></li>
<li><p>“a funny feeling its a bit weird”</p></li>
<li><p>“Im just trying to touch it gently and acknowledge it” </p></li>
<li><p>“live the gap between where you are and where you could
be” </p></li>
</ul> </ul>
<p>and then I was them and you were me and we laughed and fell over and </div>
the hill turned into a bright pink jelly ocean the whole sky was this <p><br><br />
sort of green-blue and we all surfed wobbly waves and some peoples <br><br />
<br></p>
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul>
<li>“Im just trying to touch it gently and acknowledge it” </li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><br><br />
<br><br />
<br></p>
<div class="stephen-conc">
<ul>
<li>“live the gap between where you are and where you could be” </li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><br> <br> <br><br />
and then I was them and you were me and we laughed and fell over and the
hill turned into a bright pink jelly ocean the whole sky was this sort
of green-blue and we all surfed wobbly waves and some peoples
surfboards were Quiksilver and some they had built themselves from a git surfboards were Quiksilver and some they had built themselves from a git
repository but the sun was a walnut and it was definitely moving but I repository but the sun was a walnut and it was definitely moving but I
couldnt tell was it rising or setting but it didnt matter to us the couldnt tell was it rising or setting but it didnt matter to us the
surf was great and everything smelled like magnolias.</p> surf was great and everything smelled like magnolias.</p>
<hr />
<hr />
<hr />
<h4 id="acknowledgements">Acknowledgements</h4>
<p>Thanks to Ada, Aglaia, Ben, Chae, Conor, Irmak, Jenny, Joseph, kamo,
Leslie, Manetta, Marloes, Michael, Rossi.</p>
<section id="bibliography" class="bibliography"> <section id="bibliography" class="bibliography">
<h2>Bibliography</h2> <h2>Bibliography</h2>
<p>Bayer, H. <em>et al.</em> (1975) <em>Bauhaus, 1919-1928</em>. New <p>Bayer, H. <em>et al.</em> (1975) <em>Bauhaus, 1919-1928</em>. New
@ -4009,6 +4047,9 @@ Goblet, Sixteen Essays on Typography,</em> London: The Sylvan Press.</p>
Capitalism”, <em>Archiv für Sozialwissenschaften</em> 20, no. 1 (1904), Capitalism”, <em>Archiv für Sozialwissenschaften</em> 20, no. 1 (1904),
pp. 154; 21, no. 1 (1905), pp. 1110.</p> pp. 154; 21, no. 1 (1905), pp. 1110.</p>
</section> </section>
<h4 id="acknowledgements">Acknowledgements</h4>
<p>Thanks to Ada, Aglaia, Ben, Chae, Conor, Irmak, Jenny, Joseph, kamo,
Leslie, Manetta, Marloes, Michael, Rossi.</p>
</section> </section>

@ -5,23 +5,6 @@
} }
#section-10{ #section-10{
a{
color: inherit;
text-decoration: none;
word-break: break-all;
}
.bibliography{
font-size: 10px;
line-height: 3mm;
hyphens: auto;
}
body{
font-family: 'Work Sans', 'HK Grotesk', sans-serif;
font-weight: 500;
font-size: 11px;
line-height: var(--baseline);
counter-reset: captions;
}
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6{ h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6{
break-before: page; break-before: page;
} }
@ -31,25 +14,12 @@
position: relative; position: relative;
top: 1.2mm; top: 1.2mm;
} }
img{width: 100%;}
figcaption{
font-size: 0.75em;
color: var(--color1);
counter-increment: captions;
margin: 0.75mm 0 0;
line-height: 3mm;
}
figcaption:before{
opacity: 1;
content: counter(captions) "";
}
figure{ figure{
margin: 0; margin: 0;
break-before: always; break-before: always;
} }
ul, ol{ ul, ol{
list-style: none; list-style: none;
color: var(--color2);
margin: 0; margin: 0;
padding: 0 padding: 0
} }
@ -58,12 +28,6 @@
margin: 0 0 var(--baseline); margin: 0 0 var(--baseline);
color: var(--color2); color: var(--color2);
} }
.indent .indent{
margin-left: calc(var(--baseline) * 2);
}
.indent .indent .indent .indent .indent .indent .indent .indent{
margin-left: 0;
}
/* interview */ /* interview */
.bullet{ .bullet{
margin-left: var(--baseline); margin-left: var(--baseline);
@ -78,5 +42,10 @@
} }
/* annotation */ /* annotation */
.number li{color: var(--color4);} .number li{color: var(--color4);}
} }
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(1){margin-left: 10mm}
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(2){margin-left: 00mm}
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(3){margin-left: 50mm}
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(4){margin-left: 30mm}
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(5){margin-left: 10mm}
.stephen-conc:nth-of-type(6){margin-left: 45mm}

@ -9,18 +9,7 @@ author: Stephen
--- ---
Stephen Kerr ---
Thesis submitted to the Department of Experimental Publishing, Piet
Zwart Institute, Willem de Kooning Academy, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the final examination for the degree of Master of Arts
in Fine Art & ⊞: Experimental Publishing.
Adviser: Marloes de Valk
Second Reader: Joseph Knierzinger
Word count: 7828 words
#### To de-sign design, I will assign a sign: ⊞ #### To de-sign design, I will assign a sign: ⊞
@ -32,25 +21,41 @@ of a belief system involving order, structure, and rationality and I
want to break it. Removing the label is part of loosening the object, want to break it. Removing the label is part of loosening the object,
making it avilable to transition (Berlant, 2022). making it avilable to transition (Berlant, 2022).
---
![The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er, c. 100 CE.](orange.jpg){.image-45} ![The Cadaster of Orange, unknown ⊞er, c. 100 CE.](orange.jpg){.image-45}
---
![Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef Muller-Brockmann, 1981](Niggli-Grid-systems-in-graphic-design-7.jpg){.image-95} ![Grid Systems in Graphic ⊞, Josef Muller-Brockmann, 1981](Niggli-Grid-systems-in-graphic-design-7.jpg){.image-95}
---
![Shams al-Ma'arif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki, circa 1200.](albuni2.jpg){.image-95} ![Shams al-Ma'arif, Ahmad al-Buni Almalki, circa 1200.](albuni2.jpg){.image-95}
---
![Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes, 1637.](Simple_carthesian_coordinate_system.svg){.image-95} ![Cartesian Geometry, Rene Descartes, 1637.](Simple_carthesian_coordinate_system.svg){.image-95}
---
![Homage to the Square, Josef Albers, 1954.](art-josef-albers-study-for-homage-to-the-square-69.1917.jpg){.image-95} ![Homage to the Square, Josef Albers, 1954.](art-josef-albers-study-for-homage-to-the-square-69.1917.jpg){.image-95}
---
![Counter Composition VI, Theo Van Doesburg, 1925.](TheoVAnDoesburgCounterCompositionVI.jpg){.image-45} ![Counter Composition VI, Theo Van Doesburg, 1925.](TheoVAnDoesburgCounterCompositionVI.jpg){.image-45}
---
![The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268 BCE.](po-valley2.png){.image-95} ![The Po Valley, The Roman Empire, 268 BCE.](po-valley2.png){.image-95}
---
![Monogram, Piet Zwart, c. 1968.](pietzwart.jpg){.image-45} ![Monogram, Piet Zwart, c. 1968.](pietzwart.jpg){.image-45}
--- ---
---
#### Introduction #### Introduction
@ -82,6 +87,7 @@ stories through (auto)ethnographic methods: documenting how ⊞er's work,
conducting interviews, improvising communal performances and exploratory conducting interviews, improvising communal performances and exploratory
tool-making. This document collates and reflects on this research.  tool-making. This document collates and reflects on this research. 
---
#### What is a ⊞er? #### What is a ⊞er?
@ -110,7 +116,7 @@ tool-making. This document collates and reflects on this research. 
---
The precarity of working in the creative industries, in particular as a The precarity of working in the creative industries, in particular as a
freelancer or within a small studio, induces anxiety. There is a belief freelancer or within a small studio, induces anxiety. There is a belief
@ -137,6 +143,7 @@ service to be tapped into, a cpu being run too hot. There is something
to be learnt from the revelation that being replaced by machines proves to be learnt from the revelation that being replaced by machines proves
we were being treated as machines all along.  we were being treated as machines all along. 
---
#### Geestelijk #### Geestelijk
@ -157,12 +164,12 @@ was driving this universalisation. A later paragraph of the manifesto is
translated into english as: translated into english as:
- “The artists of to-day have been driven the whole world over by the > “The artists of to-day have been driven the whole world over by the
same consciousness and therefore have taken part from an > same consciousness and therefore have taken part from an
intellectual point of view in this war against the domination of > intellectual point of view in this war against the domination of
individual despotism. They therefore sympathize with all who work > individual despotism. They therefore sympathize with all who work
for the formation of an international unity in Life, Art, Culture, > for the formation of an international unity in Life, Art, Culture,
either intellectually or materially.” > either intellectually or materially.”
In this translation it appears the authors believed in an emerging In this translation it appears the authors believed in an emerging
consciousness of the age, something collective which would bring an consciousness of the age, something collective which would bring an
@ -178,12 +185,12 @@ Stijl appear more materialist without the spiritual element. Compare
with this translation: with this translation:
- “The artists of today, all over the world, impelled by one and the > “The artists of today, all over the world, impelled by one and the
same consciousness, have taken part on the spiritual plane in the > same consciousness, have taken part on the spiritual plane in the
world war against the domination of individualism, of arbitrariness. > world war against the domination of individualism, of arbitrariness.
They therefore sympathise with all who are fighting spiritually or > They therefore sympathise with all who are fighting spiritually or
materially for the formation of an international unity in life, art > materially for the formation of an international unity in life, art
and culture.” > and culture.”
In this translation it is clearer that the members of De Stijl saw a In this translation it is clearer that the members of De Stijl saw a
link between the effects of what they made materially and their attempts link between the effects of what they made materially and their attempts
@ -209,7 +216,6 @@ change in the translation above, that the spiritual element is no longer
as important a part of the ⊞er's worldview as it was a hundred years as important a part of the ⊞er's worldview as it was a hundred years
ago?  ago? 
#### Excerpt from an interview with Conor Clarke, 1st December 2023 #### Excerpt from an interview with Conor Clarke, 1st December 2023
@ -222,8 +228,6 @@ in Ireland and is the Course Director of ⊞ West, an international summer
⊞ school located in the beautiful village of Letterfrack on the West ⊞ school located in the beautiful village of Letterfrack on the West
Coast of Ireland*. (⊞west.eu, 2023) Coast of Ireland*. (⊞west.eu, 2023)
---
- SK: What do you think is the best shape? - SK: What do you think is the best shape?
@ -254,6 +258,8 @@ Coast of Ireland*. (⊞west.eu, 2023)
<!-- --> <!-- -->
---
#### Maths and grids #### Maths and grids
@ -277,16 +283,22 @@ of the authors and their audiences?
         
         
         
    
    
    
- “To describe the problem is part of the solution. This implies: not > “To describe the problem is part of the solution. This implies: not
to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by > to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by
intellectual criteria. The more exact and complete these criteria > intellectual criteria. The more exact and complete these criteria
are, the more creative the work becomes.” > are, the more creative the work becomes.”
- (Gerstner, 1964) > (Gerstner, 1964)
- “This is the expression of a professional ethos: the ⊞er's work
should have the clearly intelligible, objective, functional and ---
aesthetic quality of mathematical thinking.”
- (Muller-Brockman, 1981) > “This is the expression of a professional ethos: the ⊞er's work
> should have the clearly intelligible, objective, functional and
> aesthetic quality of mathematical thinking.”
> (Muller-Brockman, 1981)
These texts present a worldview where ⊞ can be mathematical, objective These texts present a worldview where ⊞ can be mathematical, objective
or problem-solving. In Muller-Brockman's text the focus is on the formal or problem-solving. In Muller-Brockman's text the focus is on the formal
@ -305,6 +317,7 @@ foundations, became much less rational and predictable, for example in
chaos theory. It makes me think that the rationality serves some other chaos theory. It makes me think that the rationality serves some other
purpose. purpose.
---
#### The ⊞ grid and the written word #### The ⊞ grid and the written word
@ -329,13 +342,13 @@ through a cosmic hybris. 
- “An artists book featuring a series of typewriter concrete poems > “An artists book featuring a series of typewriter concrete poems
printed on perforated pages meant to be torn out and arranged into a > printed on perforated pages meant to be torn out and arranged into a
square of four. Complete with instructions, a reproduction of a de > square of four. Complete with instructions, a reproduction of a de
Stijl manifesto from 1920, an errata slip, and publishers > Stijl manifesto from 1920, an errata slip, and publishers
promotional postcard.” > promotional postcard.”
- Description of Steve McCaffrey's *CARNIVAL* > Description of Steve McCaffrey's *CARNIVAL*
(The Idea of the Book, 2024) > (The Idea of the Book, 2024)
--- ---
@ -350,6 +363,7 @@ Mallarmé and McCaffrey influenced my beliefs about the written word?
What makes one thing fit in the category of art, another ⊞ and yet What makes one thing fit in the category of art, another ⊞ and yet
another concrete poetry? another concrete poetry?
---
#### Mystically assigning or finding meanings in ⊞ #### Mystically assigning or finding meanings in ⊞
@ -358,8 +372,6 @@ This autoethnographic annotation attempts to really miss as many
cultural and technical cues as possible. It's watching the ⊞er, me, and cultural and technical cues as possible. It's watching the ⊞er, me, and
being totally mystified by their behaviour.  being totally mystified by their behaviour. 
---
1. *A rhythm exists and I wonder why. There is music and there are 1. *A rhythm exists and I wonder why. There is music and there are
@ -395,13 +407,14 @@ being totally mystified by their behaviour. 
7. *I have taken eleven of the forty steps. I will rest.* 7. *I have taken eleven of the forty steps. I will rest.*
---
#### What does ⊞ do? What is the ⊞er trying to do by pressing all these buttons and making the screen vibrate? #### What does ⊞ do? What is the ⊞er trying to do by pressing all these buttons and making the screen vibrate?
- *“*⊞ only generates longing” > *“*⊞ only generates longing”
- (Van Der Velden, 2006) > (Van Der Velden, 2006)
I wasn't trying to generate longing, I was trying to make an annual I wasn't trying to generate longing, I was trying to make an annual
report. It was a corporate job I was working on, a nice one to have report. It was a corporate job I was working on, a nice one to have
@ -418,10 +431,10 @@ not the type of work you're supposed to be proud of as a ⊞er.
- *“*I found myself way over my head with, believe it or not, a > *“*I found myself way over my head with, believe it or not, a
catalogue and price list for bathroom equipment. Nothing Ive done > catalogue and price list for bathroom equipment. Nothing Ive done
since has seemed as difficult.” > since has seemed as difficult.”
- Michael Bierut (creativechair.org, 2018) > (Bierut, 2018)
And of course Piet Zwart's (Figure 8) famous electrical cable And of course Piet Zwart's (Figure 8) famous electrical cable
catalogues. ⊞ is just work, chill. Is a ⊞er a user or a server? Maybe ⊞ catalogues. ⊞ is just work, chill. Is a ⊞er a user or a server? Maybe ⊞
@ -433,10 +446,10 @@ clients?
- *“*attempts to undo the privileged position of the agentive subject > *“*attempts to undo the privileged position of the agentive subject
can help us understand the strange status of repetitive and > can help us understand the strange status of repetitive and
quasi-robotic labour in today's digital age.” > quasi-robotic labour in today's digital age.”
- (Hu, 2022) > (Hu, 2022)
This quote relates to freelancing generally in some way, and This quote relates to freelancing generally in some way, and
deconstructing the work or worker. Are workers things? Yeah, kinda. ⊞ers deconstructing the work or worker. Are workers things? Yeah, kinda. ⊞ers
@ -450,16 +463,16 @@ if the sounds of my fingers and my keyboard are not noise but music: we
are quasi-robots and maybe its good to listen to our little Taylorist are quasi-robots and maybe its good to listen to our little Taylorist
finger tappings and see what else is being said. finger tappings and see what else is being said.
---
#### Excerpt from an interview with the members of Distinctive Repetition on 1st December 2023. #### Excerpt from an interview with the members of Distinctive Repetition.
Distinctive Repetition is an award-winning graphic ⊞ studio based in
Dublin, Ireland. Principal ⊞er and Institute of Creative Advertising and Principal ⊞er Rossi McAuley is joined in this interview by ⊞ers
⊞ past-president, Rossi McAuley, is joined in this interview by ⊞ers
Jenny Leahy and Ben Nagle. This interview was carried out around a table Jenny Leahy and Ben Nagle. This interview was carried out around a table
with the interviewer in the bottom right corner (◲) and the three with the interviewer in the bottom right corner (◲) and the three
members of the studio in the other three seats. members of the studio in the other seats.
- ◲: whats your favourite colour? - ◲: whats your favourite colour?
@ -500,10 +513,11 @@ members of the studio in the other three seats.
use this grid and the drawers were full of grids and I was giving use this grid and the drawers were full of grids and I was giving
them to her and saying just fucking use those grids for fucks sake them to her and saying just fucking use those grids for fucks sake
why don't we use those grids. why don't we use those grids.
- (section redacted by request of interviewees)
<!-- --> <!-- -->
---
#### About the interview #### About the interview
@ -517,19 +531,19 @@ later work on rationalism, and related to his work on geometry and grids
their relevance: their relevance:
         
- “404 years ago on the night of the 10th November 1619, three dreams > “404 years ago on the night of the 10th November 1619, three dreams
were dreamt. A 23-year old man is “filled with enthusiasm” and > were dreamt. A 23-year old man is “filled with enthusiasm” and
enters a feverish sleep in Ulm, Germany. In this process of > enters a feverish sleep in Ulm, Germany. In this process of
enthusiasm and dreamwork, he discovers the foundations of a > enthusiasm and dreamwork, he discovers the foundations of a
wonderful science. *The Method of Properly Guiding the Reason in the > wonderful science. *The Method of Properly Guiding the Reason in the
Search of Truth in the Sciences* will be suppressed by the churches, > Search of Truth in the Sciences* will be suppressed by the churches,
both Calvinist and Catholic. They are a threat to the world view, > both Calvinist and Catholic. They are a threat to the world view,
and a threat to religion. The cartesian grid uses measurements to > and a threat to religion. The cartesian grid uses measurements to
estabish relationships. Cartesian geometry has let us fly spaceships > estabish relationships. Cartesian geometry has let us fly spaceships
and zone and divide land. Some things have happened. Some good > and zone and divide land. Some things have happened. Some good
things, some bad things. The link is broken or breaking or should be > things, some bad things. The link is broken or breaking or should be
broken. It's rotting. Maybe there's a better way we can interpret > broken. It's rotting. Maybe there's a better way we can interpret
these dreams now.” > these dreams now.”
Descartes felt that interpreting his dreams was an appropriate method to Descartes felt that interpreting his dreams was an appropriate method to
develop a rational theory of skepticism, which led to some of the develop a rational theory of skepticism, which led to some of the
@ -545,8 +559,8 @@ system, as pervasive as it may be, and suggestively hinting through its
is a relationship with ⊞.</span> is a relationship with ⊞.</span>
- ◳: jelly that's not quite solid, not quite solidified in the fridge > ◳: jelly that's not quite solid, not quite solidified in the fridge
yet and its just oozing through my fingers > yet and its just oozing through my fingers
<!-- --> <!-- -->
@ -561,11 +575,11 @@ jelly is there as something that can't be grasped. Is it terrifying, are
they resigned to it?  they resigned to it? 
- ◱: they're always angst-ridden, never, they're never eh, they're > ◱: they're always angst-ridden, never, they're never eh, they're
never positive solution-solved things, we've always like lists and > never positive solution-solved things, we've always like lists and
lists and lists of things to do they're never resolved they're > lists and lists of things to do they're never resolved they're
always like shit we've, its, its always problematic, and its all the > always like shit we've, its, its always problematic, and its all the
time. > time.
I can't explain the angst they are feeling but I can describe it because I can't explain the angst they are feeling but I can describe it because
I've felt it too. It feels like I'm having a heart attack. It feels like I've felt it too. It feels like I'm having a heart attack. It feels like
@ -576,7 +590,7 @@ We believe we are busy and under pressure and struggling to survive.
That makes us anxious and stressed. That makes us anxious and stressed.
- ◱: just fucking use those grids > ◱: just fucking use those grids
<!-- --> <!-- -->
@ -586,42 +600,17 @@ dont fit, they dont make sense, they're trying to order something that
can't be ordered. Or possibly shouldnt be ordered, the ordering is can't be ordered. Or possibly shouldnt be ordered, the ordering is
misplaced and there is a human urge to stop, just stop. misplaced and there is a human urge to stop, just stop.
#### Modern work #### Modern work
> “A cause becomes unmodern at the moment when our feelings revolt,
> and as soon as we feel ourselves becoming ridiculous”
> Adolf Loos, *On Thrift,* 1924 (Loos, 2019)
- “A cause becomes unmodern at the moment when our feelings revolt,
and as soon as we feel ourselves becoming ridiculous”
- Adolf Loos, *On Thrift,* 1924 (Loos, 2019)
---
Adolf Loos was a modernist architect whose writings such as *Ornament Adolf Loos was a modernist architect whose writings such as *Ornament
and Crime* in 1910 influenced modernist ideals of functionalism and and Crime* in 1910 influenced modernist ideals of functionalism and
minimalism. He rejected ornament and favoured the use of good materials minimalism. He rejected ornament and favoured the use of good materials
@ -631,9 +620,7 @@ ideas to Max Weber's *The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism*
which benefits the individual and society as a whole, do ⊞ers still which benefits the individual and society as a whole, do ⊞ers still
believe this today? I like taking Loos' quote out of context here, believe this today? I like taking Loos' quote out of context here,
instead in the context of the feelings of the interviewees, revolting instead in the context of the feelings of the interviewees, revolting
the supposedly modern cause they are working with.  the supposedly modern cause they are working with. But also Loos was found guilty of pedophelia and it feels kind of
But also Loos was found guilty of pedophelia and it feels kind of
aggressive to include his voice here at all. This is part of the point aggressive to include his voice here at all. This is part of the point
of what I'm getting at: there's this tradition of ⊞ and so many parts of of what I'm getting at: there's this tradition of ⊞ and so many parts of
it make me uncomfortable or really disgusted and I don't know what to do it make me uncomfortable or really disgusted and I don't know what to do
@ -656,6 +643,7 @@ challenges. Some ⊞ers try to structure the world around them and like
things to be neat and tidy, which makes us uncomfortable existing in things to be neat and tidy, which makes us uncomfortable existing in
precarious work conditions. precarious work conditions.
---
#### The Roman grid #### The Roman grid
@ -673,11 +661,11 @@ origins? In Descartes' use of the grid there was also an attempt to
order and structure chaos: order and structure chaos:
- “the grid allowed an embrace of complexity: curved lines that could > “the grid allowed an embrace of complexity: curved lines that could
be described by mathematical formulas, and thereby were not a sign > be described by mathematical formulas, and thereby were not a sign
of chaos but an expression of the divine mathematical order assumed > of chaos but an expression of the divine mathematical order assumed
to be underlying nature.” > to be underlying nature.”
- Descartes was Here, Clemens Driessen, 2020 > (Driessen, 2020)
A part of the belief systems of ⊞ers is that the world is chaotic and A part of the belief systems of ⊞ers is that the world is chaotic and
their role is to order it or even simplify it. This belief may be their role is to order it or even simplify it. This belief may be
@ -714,7 +702,7 @@ audience or target market. 
- ◱: for fucks sake why don't we use those grids > ◱: for fucks sake why don't we use those grids
<!-- --> <!-- -->
@ -722,7 +710,6 @@ Is there an answer to this question, do they know the answer to this
question? I get the impression they have a gut feeling about the answer question? I get the impression they have a gut feeling about the answer
but are afraid of it. but are afraid of it.
#### An analysis of a joke about ⊞ in the early 21st century #### An analysis of a joke about ⊞ in the early 21st century
@ -730,9 +717,9 @@ When reviewing the AIGA Next conference in Denver Colorado, 2008, ⊞
critic Adrian Shaughnessy tells a joke: critic Adrian Shaughnessy tells a joke:
- “The venue was shared with a beer festival, but it was easy to tell > “The venue was shared with a beer festival, but it was easy to tell
the ⊞ers from the beer fans. The beer fans were more serious.” > the ⊞ers from the beer fans. The beer fans were more serious.”
- (Shaughnessy, 2013) > (Shaughnessy, 2013)
This joke is funny because in the setup where it is easy to tell them This joke is funny because in the setup where it is easy to tell them
apart, the reader should assume the beer fans are drunk and therefore apart, the reader should assume the beer fans are drunk and therefore
@ -744,9 +731,8 @@ fans were in fact taking their own conference seriously? As both seem
unbelievable the true funniness of the joke hits home in it's implied unbelievable the true funniness of the joke hits home in it's implied
meaning: ⊞ers are boring as fuck. meaning: ⊞ers are boring as fuck.
---
---
#### An annotation of my practices as a graphic ⊞er on a typical working day, 23rd October 2023 #### An annotation of my practices as a graphic ⊞er on a typical working day, 23rd October 2023
@ -788,6 +774,7 @@ on my computer. Then I printed them out with a pen plotter to celebrate
the labour that had taken place. It took several hours to plot the the labour that had taken place. It took several hours to plot the
keylogging data from just a few minutes of the ⊞er's labour.  keylogging data from just a few minutes of the ⊞er's labour. 
---
#### LibreOffice #### LibreOffice
@ -829,10 +816,10 @@ peers. These are some of my beliefs as a ⊞er about my work and my tools.
They're a bit idealistic but also optimistic in a good way. They're a bit idealistic but also optimistic in a good way.
- *my god im trying to use scribus to prepare a booklet* > *my god im trying to use scribus to prepare a booklet*
*im going crazy* > *im going crazy*
*im going crazy* > *im going crazy*
- Correspondance with kamo, 2024 > (kamo, 2024)
Transitioning to open source software sucks. I spent years learning Transitioning to open source software sucks. I spent years learning
other tools and its like starting all over again. There is a dual other tools and its like starting all over again. There is a dual
@ -848,7 +835,7 @@ ecosystems of tools and workflows are not enforced, but it can be
difficult to exist outside them, or more specifically, beside them. difficult to exist outside them, or more specifically, beside them.
1. *"And I don't care." * > *"And I don't care." *
It's so obviously not true. The conflict of wanting to change my It's so obviously not true. The conflict of wanting to change my
workflow with wanting to complete my work tasks efficiently doesn't keep workflow with wanting to complete my work tasks efficiently doesn't keep
@ -876,8 +863,6 @@ that in a normal file format please, I can't open it. 
difference between these fonts too which is also relevant buuuuut difference between these fonts too which is also relevant buuuuut
this description is getting very detailed maybe not right now.* this description is getting very detailed maybe not right now.*
---
Similarly to the software changes, this documentation of my practice Similarly to the software changes, this documentation of my practice
sees me choosing open source fonts. I'm really ambivalent about this. I sees me choosing open source fonts. I'm really ambivalent about this. I
@ -916,7 +901,7 @@ values?
--- ---
---
#### Follow up questions for Conor #### Follow up questions for Conor
@ -943,7 +928,7 @@ Stephen
--- ---
---
#### Follow up questions for ◱ #### Follow up questions for ◱
@ -978,7 +963,7 @@ Stephen
--- ---
---
#### Follow up questions for ◳ #### Follow up questions for ◳
@ -1008,6 +993,8 @@ fine with anonymising, removing, or editing.  
Thanks, Thanks,
Stephen Stephen
---
#### Conclusion #### Conclusion
@ -1037,6 +1024,7 @@ The fragments have been situated and subjective rather than objective,
they have been outside of categories because the categories are broken they have been outside of categories because the categories are broken
anyway.  anyway. 
---
--- ---
@ -1052,81 +1040,58 @@ everyone opened their mouths to sing and the air was filled with so many
sounds and one ⊞er walked up to me and smiled and said  sounds and one ⊞er walked up to me and smiled and said 
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="stephen-conc">
- “I dunno, I'm more confused than ever” - “I dunno, I'm more confused than ever”
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="stephen-conc">
- and they said  - and they said 
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="stephen-conc">
- and then you said - and then you said
</div>
---
<div class="stephen-conc">
- “a funny feeling its a bit weird” - “a funny feeling its a bit weird”
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="stephen-conc">
- “I'm just trying to touch it gently and acknowledge it”  - “I'm just trying to touch it gently and acknowledge it” 
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="stephen-conc">
- “live the gap between where you are and where you could be”  - “live the gap between where you are and where you could be” 
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
and then I was them and you were me and we laughed and fell over and the and then I was them and you were me and we laughed and fell over and the
hill turned into a bright pink jelly ocean the whole sky was this sort hill turned into a bright pink jelly ocean the whole sky was this sort
of green-blue and we all surfed wobbly waves and some people's of green-blue and we all surfed wobbly waves and some people's
@ -1136,18 +1101,6 @@ couldnt tell was it rising or setting but it didn't matter to us the
surf was great and everything smelled like magnolias. surf was great and everything smelled like magnolias.
---
---
---
#### Acknowledgements
Thanks to Ada, Aglaia, Ben, Chae, Conor, Irmak, Jenny, Joseph, kamo,
Leslie, Manetta, Marloes, Michael, Rossi.
<div class="bibliography"> <div class="bibliography">
## Bibliography ## Bibliography
@ -1235,4 +1188,11 @@ Sixteen Essays on Typography,* London: The Sylvan Press.
Weber, M., (1905) "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism", Weber, M., (1905) "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism",
*Archiv für Sozialwissenschaften* 20, no. 1 (1904), pp. 154; 21, no. 1 *Archiv für Sozialwissenschaften* 20, no. 1 (1904), pp. 154; 21, no. 1
(1905), pp. 1110. (1905), pp. 1110.
</div> </div>
#### Acknowledgements
Thanks to Ada, Aglaia, Ben, Chae, Conor, Irmak, Jenny, Joseph, kamo,
Leslie, Manetta, Marloes, Michael, Rossi.

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