: lisboa - visual language

I am fascinated by these subjects, and hopefully some of you will also find this interesting. I have learned over and over again (because it is something that is easily forgotten) that inspiration can and should come from anywhere and everywhere. For me as a visual designer and visual being, this always comes easiest from a sort of culture immersion experienced by traveling. I am able to take new things away with me and hopefully hang on to them for as long as possible.

The other side of this that interests me is how much can we really tell from a culture by the visual traces it leaves behind? Also, what are the real signposts of the changes a society may be experiencing versus those that are the detritus of a modern and global community participant?

It was not that long ago that Portugal was the backwater of Europe in terms of economy, development and market. A visual catalog from that point in time would have looked quite a bit different and less diverse. In the one seen below, we see a different story, and we see traces of an ancient past, alternating religious/cultural domination, street art, and modern marketing.

Is it possible to view these and get a raw sense for the culture as a whole? Is it possible to look at these and know what the best way to communicate to this market would be?

All good points to think about and discuss. "Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink." Enjoy.