What is Subversive Design?
The art of subversion in graphic design is a potent tool for voicing dissent, critiquing societal norms, and challenging the status quo. Throughout history, graphic design has served as a medium for social and political commentary, confronting power structures and amplifying movements—from revolutionary posters to modern social media activism. Subversive design extends beyond politics, pushing the boundaries of aesthetics, redefining beauty, and amplifying underrepresented voices to create groundbreaking visuals that reshape perceptions. In the digital age, new avenues such as memes, digital art, and interactive experiences have emerged, offering powerful platforms for disrupting expectations and conveying impactful messages. Below is a series of subversive design objects.
Choosing a Topic
Utilizing the World Economic Forum, I went through different topics that related to the world around me at the moment. I initially wanted to do a project under the topic of gender inequality because I have a strong interest in feminist history. I narrowed it down to the topic of gender based violence and some even more specific topics that branched off of that. Then I asked the question of what demographics are associated with gender-based violence. As someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I thought it would be interesting to explore the concept of LGBTQ+ violence, later changed to LGBTQ+-based hate crimes.
Developing a Concept
I came up with many different ideas in relation to LGBTQ+ hate crimes in a way that made the global statistics of these crimes feel tangible, basically giving them a sense of heft. I wanted to do it in a way that the individual would be forced to face an uncomfortable truth. I felt the best approach of that would be to create a physical subversive design object that created a contrast between an unassuming positive visual and a negative meaning hidden beneath it, almost like ripping the layers away.
Problem Statement, Motivation, & General Idea
The problem statement is by exposing the hidden realities of LGBTQ+ hate crimes, this project seeks to challenge the ignorance and bigotry of those who are unaware or dismissive of the sheer amount of individuals who have experienced trauma, debilitating injury, or even death worldwide. Using subversive design will raise awareness that confronts that sense of societal complacency. My motivation was as a member of the LGBTQ community, I see instances of LGBTQ hate on the news all the time. Because of their sexuality, these acts of violence tend to be ignored and I want to make people more aware of such an underrepresented issue. Overall, the general idea is creating an immutable, subversive design object that substantiates and gives tangibility to the statistics of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. A wrapped present box with a separate box and lid element with a bow on top. Inside the box sits a small, singular to/from card. The to is for everyone and the from unfurls into an endless strip of paper with many many names of those who have experienced hate crimes globally.
The Wrapping Paper
A big challenge of this project was designing the wrapping paper for the present. I initially wanted it to have this strong conceptual depth that tied into the card inside of the box; it would have almost a hidden message all over it. I sat and struggled of what that message was supposed to be and how it would be conveyed but it was honestly a futile effort. In the end, I thought the way it would make the most sense is to have the message as hidden as possible until you actually open the box. The wrapping paper ended up being a simple rainbow gingham pattern as a subtle nod to the LGBTQ+ flag. The red bow and interior point to violence and warning in opening the box.
Making the Present
Everything from the extremely large card to the wrapping paper and bow to even the box itself was made by hand, all constructed out of paper. I used a heavier weight paper for the box itself, actually left over from other project, creating separate lid and box components. I used red sticker paper to line the interior of the box. It was somewhat difficult putting it on because it was basically putting a huge sticker in the exact spot on the box. I created a false bottom to the box to place the long card inside, cutting a slit in the middle of it to pull the card out, initially having the start of it peak out. The card was made on the Epson printer on matte paper and took a while to print out, especially since I kept messing up when it came to cutting and folding. The wrapping paper was also printed on the Epson, but it was done on glossy paper to give it that wrapping paper-like gleam. The bow is just simple laser- printed paper, red and double sided that I cut into strips and glued together.
