[sotd] The Helvetica Hegemony [June 11, 2007]
- From: "The Site of the Day" <sotd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: sotd@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:32:39 -0300
Site of the Day for Monday, June 11, 2007
The Helvetica Hegemony
Today's site, from Slate Magazine, offers a feature on the hoopla
surrounding the golden anniversary of an iconic graphic of modern times --
the emblematic typeface, Helvetica. Gentle Subscribers will find an
informative and visual exhibit chronicling the font's rise to preeminence.
"This year is the 50th anniversary of Helvetica, the ubiquitous sans-serif
font that some have called the official typeface of the 20th century. Even
if you don't know its name, you'll probably recognize its face. Helvetica
is everywhere. ... [T]he typeface is the subject of a small exhibition at
New York's Museum of Modern Art ... And a new feature-length documentary,
Helvetica (2007) ... has been playing to sold-out houses at film festivals
and art schools since March. ... So, why is this 50-year-old font still so
successful?" -from the website
The site presents a slideshow of text and images to illustrate the
documentary's exploration of Helvetica's origins and development. Noting
its widespread adoption in the early 60's, the presentation concludes the
font's acceptance occurred not only because of its legibility, even at a
distance, but as a representation of the new, modern age. From corporate
logos to the signage of the New York subway system, Helvetica became the
typeface of choice. A highlight of the exhibit is a link to a graphic
designer's comparison of Helvetica to its less favored relative, familiar
to every Windows user -- Arial. There's even a short quiz on distinguishing
the differences of each.
Thanks to A.E.A. for recommending this site.
Hop over to the site for a fascinating look at one of the symbols of late
twentieth century modernity at:
http://www.slate.com/id/2166887/slideshow/2166963/
A.M. Holm
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