PAFA Rising Sun

Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America exhibition was hosted by the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, features the work of 20 artists inspired by a reoccurring question in American history: Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?  In a time when perspectives in the U.S. are radically disparate, the exhibition invite viewers to explore how art inspires us to reflect on, challenge, and expand our own lived experiences. The cover design for the catalog book of Rising Sun is to reflect the exhibit’s exploration of what it means to be an artist during times of uncertainty.

A gradient palette of warm oranges, yellows, and reds transitioning into cooler tones like blue and purple evokes a sense of transformation and progress, symbolizing warmth and optimism. The minimalist design features the title in a bold, sans-serif font that represents modernity. Subtle layering and texture, created by an abstracted photograph, add depth to the text, hinting at the complexity of the exhibition's themes.

The cover is printed on uncoated board with a fold-out design. Its production elements—blind embossing and clear matte foil stamping—create an ever-changing surface where color and readability shift based on the viewer’s perspective, position, and lighting. This dynamic feature serves as a metaphor for the deeper themes of the exhibition, emphasizing the fluid and evolving nature of identity and perception.

The embossed typography adds a tactile dimension, inviting viewers to physically engage with the book. The overall design of the Rising Sun catalog is an artistic statement in its own right—subtle, layered, and reflective of the exhibit’s themes of identity, hope, and navigating an ever-changing America. By combining simple yet impactful imagery with thoughtful production choices, the cover captivates readers and echoes the powerful narratives contained within.

Artists include:

Shiva Ahmadi, John Akomfrah CBE, La Vaughn Belle, Tiffany Chung, Lenka Clayton, Petah Coyne, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Demetrius Oliver, Eamon Ore-Giron, Alison Saar, Dread Scott, Rose B. Simpson, Sheida Soleimani, Renée Stout, Mark Thomas Gibson, Dyani White Hawk, Hank Willis Thomas, Deborah Willis, Wilmer Wilson IV, and Saya Woolfalk.