Two creative solutions were created for a re-print of popular public domain title, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'', to appeal to a generation of young readers who are yet to discover this time honoured classic.
SYNOPSIS
Beauty and youth is fleeting; it’s transient in nature. A life dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure will inevitably lead to destruction. A story set in the circles of high London filled with tragedy, hypocrisy, sin and corruption Dorian Gray devotes his life to the pursuit of hedonistic exploits, exploring new experiences and sensations with no regard for standards of morality and the consequences of his actions. Beauty and youth is a curse and the price is exceedingly high. The Picture of Dorian Gray embodies his tortured conscience; love, innocence and repentance will not be enough to save Dorian from his curse.
His actions will haunt him forever giving nothing less than his soul.
Themes of white, youth, sin, innocence, dualtiy, decay and hedonism are explored through both covers' design elements.
The apple is a classic representation of youth, the counterpoint for youth is death and decay. The decaying shadow represents this counterpoint which is explored in the narrative of the story.
Hedonism and high society can be represented by the decadent gilded picture frames of the Victorian era. A typographic solution built around the style of frame was created. The faint decayed hand clawing at the beautiful type represents the counterpoint of beauty, youth and innocence by representing death, decay and sin exploring the theme of duality.
Design College Australia student project
