Credits

Client: Flash Reproductions 

Creative Directors: Fidel Peña RGD, Claire Dawson RGD

Photographer: Joanne Ratajczack

Copywriters: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Elizabeth Brandt

Description

Underline was invited to curate and design an issue of the Wayward Arts series celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary. The studio used the opportunity to interrogate the country’s often-glossed-over history and ongoing relationship with Indigenous people. On its surface, the issue appears to be a tribute to Canada’s majestic landscapes. However, perforated lines on each spread invite the reader to dig deeper. Once the pages are torn, the reader is confronted with a haunting poem that challenges Canadians’ presumptions of ownership and use of the land. The poetry is paired with facts on issues ranging from disregard of treaty rights to residential schools, lack of drinking water to inflated incarceration rates, issuing a challenge to readers to reckon with the hidden history of Canada.

Judge's Comments

A beautiful and thought-provoking concept that challenges the reader into seeing there’s more to this than meets the eye. Stunning Canadian photography and an innovative use of the torn page reveal Simpson’s powerful poetry and social commentary, which confront the reader. This thoughtful concept deals with relevant information to promote social change with a lovely and sophisticated use of white space and minimal, poetic typography. A beautiful yet evocative project. 

- Katie Maasik