Peace symbol by Gerald Holtom
Inspired by Hobo Signs, this universal peace symbol was originally designed in 1958 for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. The symbol is a populist icon used universally. This simple yet powerful symbol originates from two pictograms ‘Man Dies’ and ‘Universe’. In essence, it is a reflection that if there were nuclear war in the world, mankind would die. It is one of my all-time favourites for its use of strong and simple graphics, which make it timeless.
CBS News logo by William Golden
Having done a number of television networks and news channel logos in Pakistan myself, I still cannot find a logo of a news channel as strong and effective as William Golden’s rendition for CBS News. The logo was designed in 1951 and still holds unmistakable appeal in its visual simplicity. It is my favourite because the designer exhibited how knowledge, and the application of it, is absolutely necessary in devising iconic identities. In this case, he was driving through Pennsylvania Dutch country and became intrigued by ‘hex symbols’, resembling the human eye, that are drawn on Shaker barns to ward off evil spirits. Something one would expect from news channels – ward off evil and menace from society!
Crescent and star of the Ottoman Court
This is something I grew up with and it is very close to my heart. I loved the combination of the Ottoman crescent and star for the first time by an Ottoman Sultan, after seeing it in a dream. This insignia from 1844 is today the globally acknowledged symbol of the Muslim World and of various political movements, such as the Khilaafat Movement. It was also on the flag of the All-India Muslim League, before being adopted as the flag of Pakistan – the Parcham-e-Sitar o Hilal. This glorious symbol is now used by more than 11 countries in their national flags or state standards.
The Arabesque
This is my absolute favourite design element and inspiration – the foliate ornament, used in the Islamic world. I love the way it has been used over the centuries in many countries and cultures, while retaining their individual hallmarks and colour schemes. I find it particularly fascinating when Arab and Persian letters are meticulously merged with this geometric tradition – visible in mosaics, Quranic manuscripts, mosques and mausoleums.
Russian propaganda posters by various artists
Strong graphic devices, robust colour palettes and signage used in Russian Communist communication from the times of revolution and wars are particularly exciting for me because of the way they used art for ideology, nationalism and a political belief system.
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