CATALOG
OF FLAGS
CHANTAL ZAKARI
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2018
artist's publication/photo-book
8.25x11"
20 pages plus cover
digital press
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first printing edition of 200
signed and numbered
$25
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publication date: January 2015
Eighteen Publication
distributed by the artist
See images from the entire project::
INTRODUCTION
A Catalog of Flags is the companion artist's publication to Strategic Planning. This catalog features a flag collection that combines the traditional pomp and circumstance of academia with business nomenclature today widely used within the academic industry.
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The designs of these pennants, sailing burgees and medieval gonfalons are a study of vexillography layered with visual elements from various historical periods. Collected on internet clipart sites, the vernacular imagery points to a hollow vocabulary: "SWOT" for strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats; "Competitive Landscape"; "Synergy"; "Global Imperative"; "Innovation Catalyst"; "Leadership Workshop"… At a time when an increasing number of small colleges are under financial stress due to a shrinking student population caused by enormous increases in tuition, these art objects stand as reminders of the true ideals of higher education that are at risk.
The Catalog is designed in the style of a product catalog. Here, the banners are seen within context, in college specific spaces such as faculty offices, dorm rooms, libraries and art studios while the text points to a business logic that is often not applicable to art education.
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This exhibition and artist’s publication was generously supported by a Faculty Research Grant from Tufts University.
SAMPLE PAGES
EXHIBITIONS
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2018
Kingston Gallery, Strategic Planning: Chantal Zakari, Boston, MA
REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS
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BOSTON ART REVIEW
Chantal Zakari Raises A Warning Flag
by Jameson Johnson, January, 2018
BOSTON GLOBE
Chantal Zakari Turns Pennants into Red Flags
by Cate McQuaid, January 17, 2018
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MONDAY MORNING ART TALK
Meadville Calendar talks to Raven Clark, a student at Allegheny
KINGSTON GALLERY BLOG
Brandy C. Topher interviews Chantal Zakari about her new work
June 20, 2017