Rebel Talk
Overview
‘Rebel Talk’, is an anthology of poetry published by Extinction Rebellion in the run-up to COP26 back in November 2021. Rebel Talk continues the cultural rebellion against governments and corporations who are failing to act swiftly and effectively to save humanity from the disaster we have created for ourselves and future generations.
Students were tasked with designing a book jacket and series of internal page spreads developing their skills in typography, layout and image making techniques (letterpress and mono-printing). Their design work incorporated imagery from ‘waste-making’ and ‘left-over’ print processes such as roller cleaning, inked-up recycled ‘flat-pack’ plates and woodblock type. The book contained work from poets across the world speaking from their hearts to ours of their loss, grief, fear, anger, struggle and hope as we confront the growing possibility that life on earth will be extinguished. Nine contributing students, all 3rd year: Dalal Elsamannoudi, Georgia Colson, Trizia Lee, Jemima Thomas, Philippa Lloyd, Jessica Borrill, Ella Beales, Nazanin Azimi, Jazmin Solomon-Siqueira.
The project sponsor, Extinction Rebellion, approached the Course Leader to request collaboration with Graphic Design students.
Highlights of the project
Taking the students to the printers to see their work coming off the press.
Students attending the Rebel Talk book launch party held at Common Ground, Little Clarendon St, Oxford.
Students helping to sell copies of the book at the Independent Publisher Fair in Wesley Memorial Hall, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford.
What the client said:
“Thank you to all the students who contributed to such a beautiful book – congratulations on seeing it through in such complicated times.” – Rip Bulkeley, editor.
“The book is beautifully balanced between professional-looking, design flair and an un-glossy but urgent kind of ambience, which all contribute to the overall message, well done.” – Philip Gross, poet
What the students said:
The students were very positive about their experience on the project. They liked the idea their work was contributing to a wider debate on climate change and were grateful for the opportunity to work with a client who were supportive and appreciative of their involvement.
Project Lead:
Neil Mabbs – Course Leader in BA (Hons) Graphic Design