opening at the narrows

OPENING MONDAY MAY 4 2009

TOBIAS FRERE-JONES

MAY 4–JUNE 6 2009
THE NARROWS
2/141 FLINDERS LANE
MELBOURNE AUS

Tobias Frere-Jones (b 1970, New York) spent seven years as Senior
designer at Font Bureau in Boston creating typefaces such as
Interstate – a comprehensive display font developed from highway
type specimens.

Since returning to New York in 1999, Frere-Jones has undertaken a
meticulous research project – mapping 'non-designer' typography
covering the buildings of Manhattan. Whilst contemporary type
design is digitally driven, these hand painted letters – some
constructed of steel, neon, timber and glass have become the
seed for many of Frere-Jones' typefaces.

"Public spaces are teeming with handmade sans serifs that share
the same underlying structure, an engineer's idea of "basic
lettering" that transcends both the characteristics of their
materials and the mannerisms of their craftsmen."
-Tobias Frere-Jones

Frere-Jones has designed over 700 typefaces for various client
applications and experimental projects, though none of these
have received the attention of a sans serif suitably called
Gotham. Originally commissioned by GQ Magazine and more recently
annunciating US President Barrack Obama's "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE
" campaign, Gotham (2000-) germinated from a steel sign atop the
Port Authority Bus Terminal entrance – a gem collected on his
observation trail.

This exhibition explores the process of a craftsman of
letterforms – whose practice is typically dressed in anonymity –
yet whose rigorous method and celebrated output has redirected
the observer's focus away from the sign towards the writer.

The exhibtion opens at 6pm on Monday May 4 and continues until
June 6. The gallery is open Wednesday – Friday 12-6pm and
Saturday 12-5pm or by appointment.

Group and school bookings can be made by calling the gallery on
03 9654 1534

Exhibition partners:

Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA)
[http://www.agda.com.au]

K.W.Doggett Fine Paper
[http://www.kwdoggett.com.au]

For more information on Tobias Frere-Jones visit
Hoefler & Frere-Jones
[http://www.typography.com]


The Narrows / 2/141 Flinders Lane Melbourne AUS 3000 +61 (3) 9654
1534 info@thenarrows.org www.thenarrows.org

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