Extinction Symbol woodblock thumbnail 1
Extinction Symbol woodblock thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Extinction Symbol woodblock

Extinction Symbol Woodblock
2018
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This printing block was used in temporary public design workshops put on by the Extinction Rebellion Arts Group in the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. These workshops offer the opportunity for members of the public to create posters or banners of their own design using graphic elements from the group’s visual programme, such as the XR symbol featured on the block here. The symbol was designed by an east London-based street artist who works under the name ESP (or sometimes Goldfrog ESP). The symbol, a circle containing an X capped off at the top and base representing an hourglass and the planet, was created by the artist in 2011 prior to the formation of the XR group. Although these graphics can also be downloaded digitally for free from XR’s website, the transfer of XR imagery to wood block prints used for analogue printing in a community setting is reflective of XR’s self-described ‘do-it-together’ ethos. This printing block exemplifies both the recognisability and the flexibility of XR’s Design Programme, and its resultant prints perpetuate the group’s coherent design identity while expressing the unique creative initiatives of individual users. Visitors to the design workshops are encouraged to emblazon items of clothing or fabric that they already own using the group’s block prints, minimising consumption and eliminating any commercial transaction in the propagation of XR’s identity.

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Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleExtinction Symbol woodblock
Brief description
Used machine-cut Extinction Rebellion Woodblock used and designed by the Extinction Rebellion Arts Group, made in 2018.
Physical description
Circular machine-cut plywood block with the raised image of the Extinction Symbol, a circle containing an X capped off at the top and base.
Production typeUnique
Credit line
Given by Extinction Rebellion Arts Group
Object history
This block was used by XR in their Public design workshops
Subjects depicted
Associations
Summary
This printing block was used in temporary public design workshops put on by the Extinction Rebellion Arts Group in the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. These workshops offer the opportunity for members of the public to create posters or banners of their own design using graphic elements from the group’s visual programme, such as the XR symbol featured on the block here. The symbol was designed by an east London-based street artist who works under the name ESP (or sometimes Goldfrog ESP). The symbol, a circle containing an X capped off at the top and base representing an hourglass and the planet, was created by the artist in 2011 prior to the formation of the XR group. Although these graphics can also be downloaded digitally for free from XR’s website, the transfer of XR imagery to wood block prints used for analogue printing in a community setting is reflective of XR’s self-described ‘do-it-together’ ethos. This printing block exemplifies both the recognisability and the flexibility of XR’s Design Programme, and its resultant prints perpetuate the group’s coherent design identity while expressing the unique creative initiatives of individual users. Visitors to the design workshops are encouraged to emblazon items of clothing or fabric that they already own using the group’s block prints, minimising consumption and eliminating any commercial transaction in the propagation of XR’s identity.
Collection
Accession number
CD.3-2019

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Record createdJuly 1, 2019
Record URL
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