“Ephemera, as artifacts of history, inevitably contains facts, prejudices, and other aspects (such as language, art and social organization) reflecting their particular time and place, and is now widely used in academic programs, sometimes falling under the rubric of ‘material culture,'” according to the Society. “Ephemera is revered not only for its content, but also for the beauty of its presentation which may involve interest in its graphic design, typography, a printing process such as chromolithography, or its format, such as a cobweb valentine.”

While graphic design is sometimes overlooked as the mere commercial production of visual surfaces for existing ideas, in reality, it is a timely medium for catalyzing new approaches. Intended seriously yet inflected by a tongue-in-cheek approach, the theme presents graphic design in familiar and unconventional formats. During this moment of global turbulence, the exhibition challenges the public perception of the field and experiments beyond accepted disciplinary boundaries. Our goal is to start a dialogue around what graphic design could accomplish tomorrow.”