THE COLOR ALPHABET
Technique
26 letters, 10 numbers, 1 penant flag and 3 replacement pennants + accompanying leaflet
full color inktjet print
Measures
loose-leaf edition: 28×21 cm, limited edition: 10 copies
Signature
numbered and signed, every copy comes with a certificate of authenticity
Shipping
the color alphabet is packed in a sturdy cardboard box: 22×31.5×3 cm
and will be shipped to you (within the Netherlands) for €5
Good to know
from a sustainable consideration, each copy is printed exclusively for you at the time of purchase. as a result, delivery time may be longer
Details
THE COLOR ALPHABET AIMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS OF A DEVELOPING DISTRICT
One of the components of Assen Central is the transformation of the Havenkwartier (Harbour district) from an outdated industrial area to a distinctive residential area. The municipality of Assen wants to build about 650 new affordable homes in this area until 2030. The Havenkwartier will have a contemporary and green look. The city boulevard will connect the new district with the inner city.
In 2021-2022 DeFKa Research will focus on the Havenkwartier in Assen. This area is municipally characterized as a spearhead for housing development and redevelopment with immediate effect. I was invited to participate in a research group of artists and architects to work on various options at the request of DeFKa Research.
INSPIRATION
The International Code of Signals (ICS) is an international system of signals and codes for use by ships to transmit important messages about navigational safety and related matters, especially when language problems arise. It includes flags for all letters of the alphabet, plus numerals and a number of replacement pennants.
Combinations of these characters are assigned as codes for various standardized messages. For example, the captain of one ship may want to communicate with another ship when his own radio is not working. One simply raises the Kilo flag; this has the assigned message of “I wish to communicate with you.”
COLORS
Using the ICS as a base, it was personalized for the Havenkwartier by assigning its own colors. These colors were determined at random on location. In total, 86 different colors are used throughout the alphabet.
APPLICATION
The color alphabet can be applied in many ways, for example in paving, doors are colored according to house number, festivities are dressed up by long lines of flags, in the harbor there is a line of poetry with colored buoys. Every new resident could receive the color alphabet in compact (card) form as a tool and a warm welcome to the Havenkwartier.
