Timea Andoka's Optics and Chromatics: A Collision of Color Theories

Exhibition Poster Showcases the Clash of Goethe and Newton's Color Theories

The inspiration for the design came from Goethe's "Theory of Colours," published in 1810. Andoka's poster was created to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of Goethe's work. The title "Optics and Chromatics" refers to Goethe's emphasis on the theory of colors (Chromatics) over the science of sight (Optics), a point of contention between him and Newton. Andoka's design aims to represent how colors are actually experienced, as opposed to how they are mathematically defined.

The poster's unique properties lie in its representation of the color theory debate. Two contrasting letterform compositions represent the differing views of Goethe and Newton. One composition is calculated and geometric, with sharp contours, while the other relies on the impressionistic play of colorful shadows. This clash of designs served as the cover for Pantone Plus Series Artist Covers in 2014, showcasing the design's impact and relevance.

Andoka's design was realized using paper, colored plastic sheets, light, and shadow. The original poster size was 70×100 cm. The design process involved taking numerous photos of the two letterform compositions, with changing perspectives and light conditions providing a multitude of visualization possibilities. The final images chosen for the poster accentuate the difference between the two color theories.

The poster was created in Budapest, Hungary, in 2010 and has been exhibited in various locations, including Design Terminal in Budapest, Donau Buro in Ulm, Germany, and The World Paper Products in Jeonju, South Korea. The design's longevity and international recognition underscore its relevance and timeliness in the world of design and color theory.

The design required detailed knowledge of the color theory debate between Newton and Goethe. Andoka considered Goethe's "Theory of Colours" a fundamental work in studying color experience, emphasizing that color vision is a changeable, resilient, and impressionistic factor that cannot be adequately described by exact mathematical formulas. The design challenges included inventing two new font designs to express the nature of the color theory debate. One font is made of paper and shadow, and the other is made of colored foil and light.

All images of the design are copyrighted to Timea Andoka, 2017. The design's recognition, including the Silver A' Design Award, highlights its creativity, professional excellence, and innovative approach to design and typography.