This project was featured in Athlone Institute of Technology's Graduate Show 2019, also selected as part of a group showcase in The Luan Gallery.
The Nature vs Nurture debate is one that has plagued mankind as far back as the Greek Philosophers up to the 21st century man. Regardless of the length and breadth of the discussion, there has never been one definitive solution. Many have argued both sides to great extent but fail to completely invalidate the opposing side. This leads one to conclude that neither Nature or Nurture can prevail.
Two posters tell the story of Nature and Nurture and how they navigate life due to their specific traits. To begin, both are strongly influenced by their personality. Overtime it is revealed that too much of one side will lead to a breakdown of identity. They cannot exist solely by themselves. Their relationship is one of co-dependency – each needs the other for a balance in life. Alone they are in chaos.
The first poster, Nature, describes his personality and characteristics. Type is expressive and varies throughout, showing how Nature does not hold back. The mis-registration of squares behind the lettering reflect imperfections. A vivid image of tree bark strongly references the colourful and vibrant life Nature leads. The golden ratio is used to connect both posters.
The second poster, Nurture, is more structured. It follows the Golden Ratio to a greater extent than Nature’s poster. Body text and titles conform to the rules of the ratio and its proportions. Lists represent the organised character. Ideogram elements are used to guide the viewers eye through the poster. Windows open to reveal Nurture’s personal development and inner thoughts.
The grooves which run through the images of wood represent the cracks that form in Nature and Nurtures respective narratives, leading to a breakdown in their stories. The cracks can also be interpreted as paths leading Nature and Nurture to each other, ultimately finding harmony and balance. The use of over-saturated images emphasizes the intensity and extreme of both sides without the other.
