Critical Daily    Critical practice in graphic design

Public Species, a photobook by Ivana Palečková, contains the author’s photographic and design work. A series of photographs focuses on the public space and the way people shape it. The book comprises a landscape format that can be folded in half, the design suggesting a multilayered reading of the message — like moving through a city at a different speed or in a certain mood. The first way to go through the book — when it’s folded in half  — represents a quick walk round. In some photos, only fragments are visible; while others remain completely hidden and some are fully visible.

The second way of browsing — when it’s fully open in landscape format — is a slow walk, relaying detailed perceptions and observations. The accompanying text is arranged in irregular paragraphs to evoke the liveliness of the urban structures. It represents different periods of time layered in the architecture and design of public spaces. The glossy title references sign paintings or objects in the streets. Palečková uses several typefaces: Velvetyne Type Foundry, Setup, Grilli Type, Martin Pyšný — to stress the different, overlapping strata of the city, functioning as a palimpsest of posters, signboards, and other more abstract elements. 

The text, by Jürgen Rendl — together with the visuals — invites us to reimagine the urban landscape, to become interested inhabitants and enter into a lively and prosperous relationship with the surroundings, and possibly, to re-shape them for the better.

The book was produced with the creative assistance of Jürgen Rendl, Dominika Jackuliaková, Matej Žoldoš, and Aurélia Garová.