Martian Flag Generator
A decentralized graphic identity system for the nations of a hypothetical Martian future
- Speculative Identity
- Booklet, Laser Print
- Attending to futures Exhibition Space: Unrealized Archive 6
- 2020
The Martian Flag project is a reaction to Elon Musk’s use of the word “colonization” in reference to human’s involvement with Mars. In this project, I wanted to investigate the use of an automated graphic system to generate and distribute national identity by creating flags for hypothetical Martian nations. The project investigates the use of flags as tools of colonization and nationalism.
How can this system refuse strategies used by European Colonial powers? By avoiding any singular mark of sovereignty or ownership the system has no national, religious, idealogical, or corporate iconography. The goal was to make a system that could generate an endless family of flags, showing strength through multiplicity instead of hierarchy.
The template and formal components are designed around themultiplicity of two and four: two for the two moons of Mars and four for its position as fourth planet from the sun. The system generates flags by separating the shapes onto layers and toggling their positive/negative fill. The individual flags generated vary significantly and are compelling on their own. However, the system shows its merit when the flags are displayed alongside one another as patchwork.
The individual flags generated vary significantly and are compelling on their own. However, the system shows its merit when the flags are displayed alongside one another as patchwork. I created a small book to demonstrate the system at work. The effect that I wanted was to suggest the infinite generative potential, but also presenting the flags and nations as a cohesive, unified front.
