Reforming Archaic Conventions
YEAR:
2020
ROLE:
Graphic Designer & Researcher
TOOLS:
InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Procreate
Reforming Archaic Conventions
YEAR:
2020
ROLE:
Graphic Designer & Researcher
TOOLS:
InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Procreate
Research FocusReforming Archaic Conventions is an independently developed project created during my undergraduate studies in Visual Communication. The project examines the shortcomings of domestic abuse and marital rape laws in India, focusing on how vague and outdated legal definitions can undermine protection for victims. Rather than depicting abuse itself, the research investigates the language of the law and the gap between its intended purpose and its practical limitations.
MethodologyThe project draws directly from the visual and typographic language of the Indian Constitution, preserving the structure and authority associated with legal documents. By analysing and quoting legislation from the Indian Penal Code, the work highlights ambiguous wording and legal loopholes through annotation and call-outs. Constitutional references, national symbolism and structured layouts were used to reinforce the tension between the authority of the law and its failure to adequately protect those it was designed to serve.
OutcomeThe result is an interactive animated poster designed to raise awareness of ineffective domestic abuse and marital rape legislation in India. Designed to resemble a constitutional spread, the poster incorporates symbols associated with marriage, India and the legal system, using motion and interaction to guide viewers through key legislative excerpts and encourage critical engagement with the text.
The interactive poster is designed to resemble a spread from the constitution, with reflected patterns on the sides symbolising order and stability. The eight corners incorporate symbols representing marriage and India, while the four-headed lion signifies the law.
By quoting laws from the Indian Penal Code, the poster highlights the vague and ambiguous definitions through strategic call-outs.
Snakes and spiders serve as metaphors, reinforcing the outdated and archaic nature of these laws.