explorations in dissonance #11— cognitive dissonance

Abstract

This image is #11 in a series of 15 compositions that explore the use of dissonance in graphic design. My research and explorations of dissonance (in general) led me to the more specific theme of cognitive dissonance. I constructed hand-made letters for a poster announcing the performance of a dissonant piece of orchestral music (Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring). The letter-forms signify the textual information, and (at the same time) the letterforms, substrate, and media used are signifiers for events/meanings not associated with the performance of the music indicated.

I seek to produce cognitive dissonance in the viewer’s mind as they attempt to maintain a consistency of their own beliefs and attitudes while being faced with the associations these posters present.