Case Study: "Rising Sun: A Transformative Journey in Art and Democracy"

Introduction: In November 2023, Kirkwood Printing proudly collaborated with GDLOFT, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), and the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) to produce the "Rising Sun Book." This collaborative effort became a profound reflection of art, democracy, and the transformative power of collaboration.

Background: "Rising Sun" marked a transformative venture wherein two esteemed institutions, PAFA and AAMP, joined forces to present "Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America." The multi-venue exhibition showcased works by 20 celebrated artists, each responding to a critical question: "Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?" This exploration into themes of equality, free speech, and the fundamental tenets of democracy was a timely and thought-provoking endeavor.

The Visionaries Behind GDLOFT: The creative force driving the "Rising Sun Book" was GDLOFT, led by Allan Espiritu, founder & creative director, and Kevin Kernan, the principal. Their story, from a Yale University server password to an esteemed design firm, epitomized the unexpected sources of inspiration and innovation. GDLOFT's journey underscored the power of imagination and humor, elements that left a lasting impression on their creative process.

The Project Initiation: Initiated by Judith Tannenbaum, the curator at PAFA, the "Rising Sun Book" presented GDLOFT with a complex challenge: creating a stunning book for a gallery show involving two separate museums. Despite the accelerated timeline of less than four months, GDLOFT's strengths in communication and focus on conceptual, budgetary, and practical aspects guided them through the intricate process.

Creative Vision and Design: Allan & Kevin's creative vision for the "Rising Sun Book" was both subtle and deeply thought-provoking. The blind emboss on the cover, with the SUN sometimes legible and sometimes not, served as a metaphor for how the sun, like democracy, affects everything and changes based on where you stand. This approach turned the book into not just a collection of pages but a profound work of art.

Profound Collaboration and Artistic Contribution: The "Rising Sun Book" represented the power of collaboration between institutions, artists, and visionary designers at GDLOFT. The list of contributing artists, including Shiva Ahmadi, John Akomfrah CBE, Tiffany Chung, and many more, added to the richness and complexity of the project. Their collective work delved into the nuances of the American democratic experiment.

Result and Impact: The "Rising Sun Book" emerged not merely as a book but as a visual and intellectual gateway into a thought-provoking exploration of American democracy. The collaboration between GDLOFT and the institutions involved showcased the transformative power of art and dialogue. The exhibition, along with the book, became an opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in art that stimulates reflection and encourages dialogue.

Conclusion: Kirkwood Printing, in collaboration with GDLOFT, played a vital role in bringing the "Rising Sun Book" to life. This project stands as a testament to the creative collaboration between institutions, artists, editors, and designers. As the "Rising Sun" exhibition continues to inspire and challenge perceptions, the book serves as a lasting artifact that captures the essence of a transformative journey in art and democracy. Kirkwood Printing commends GDLOFT for their exceptional work and anticipates the lasting impact "Rising Sun" will have on all who engage with it.