Last Frontiers

Last Frontiers is a project that explores how ancient indigenous knowledge can inspire contemporary graphic design. I focused on the worldviews of the Yanomami (from the Amazon) and the Ainu (from Japan), both of whom have unique perspectives on sustainability and the natural world. The aim was to translate these perspectives into modern, visually engaging designs that encourage reflection on how we interact with our environment. For the Yanomami-inspired piece, Modes of Existence, I created a 3D animated visual using Trapcode Particular. The design represents the Yanomami belief that everything in the natural world is connected to unseen spiritual forces. The visuals were directly informed by drawings the Yanomami created in Claudia Andujar’s 1978 study. I reinterpreted these into dynamic 3D spaces to represent the fluid and interconnected nature of their worldview. The Ainu-inspired piece, Logic of the Symmetry, focuses on their belief in balance and harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. I used grid systems and animated symmetrical patterns based on traditional Ainu motifs. These designs symbolize how balance is maintained across different realms, reflecting the Ainu’s philosophy of mutual respect and equality with nature.
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Alongside the animated pieces, I produced an in-depth research book that explores the cultural philosophies and visual languages of the Yanomami and Ainu peoples. The book delves into their cosmo-ecological views, examining how they perceive balance, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of the natural and spiritual worlds. More importantly though, it gives a context to their historical background and their contemporary struggles, which was highly important to me as my major project stemmed from a desire to produce a piece of design activism.
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The book is crafted using Gmund Heather and Twist papers, chosen to reflect the tactile and cultural essence of the project. The leather-style cover nods to the Ainu people's deep-rooted connection to natural materials and craftsmanship, resonating with their traditions of textile and craft design. Inside, the use of Twist Red paper draws inspiration from the Yanomami's vibrant spiritual world, tying into the vivid, dynamic visuals explored in the 'Modes of Existence' piece.