ABSOLUT Kapana Logo Competition

ABSOLUT VODKA, the leading brand representative of visual arts worldwide, along with ONE DESIGN WEEK and the The Municipality of Plovdiv (Bulgaria), invited graphic designers from all over the world to participate in the ABSOLUT KAPANA LOGO COMPETITION. We got the chance to create the visual identity of KAPANA – the art center of Plovdiv. A logo that tells both the story of its’ past and future will become the neighborhood’s calling card form now to eternity.

photos by Vera Gotseva - Lomovera

THE GOAL

KAPANA is situated right in the center of Plovdiv. A late 19-th century neighborhood, it used to house worksmiths both from the practical and fine side of art. Nowadays, The Municipality of Plovdiv wishes to revive the narrow streets of KAPANA and let local, national and international artists inhabit and evolve with them. Two years ago, Kapana was in ruins, ready to disappear from Bulgaria’s cultural map. Today, the goal is for Kapana to be compared with its Western counterparts like Kreuzberg (Berlin) and Tophane (Istanbul).

A sizeable amount of investments has already set the project on its course. Plovdiv has announced its candidature for European Capital of Culture 2019 and the Municipality has already attracted local and foreign architects, designers and artists to the project.

In June 2014, Kapana will gather artists from various creative fields and begin the experiment of turning the neighborhood into a center of art and culture. The winners from a competition conducted by the Plovdiv 2019 Foundation, will occupy and use ten separate spaces in Kapana absolutely free of charge. During the same month, Kapana will be completely transformed by ONE DESIGN WEEK. Designers form Plovdiv, other Bulgarian cities and more than 10 European countries are developing conceptual projects, which will enrich and transform the area.

MY SUBMISSION

I've tried to convey the essence of that small area, packed with workshops and art galleries and to create a dynamic identity that can be (almost) indefinitely revisited and reinvented. It is based on a simple geometry - resembling the narrow streets of the area and allows many variations of the main theme, while still maintaining the image of this artistic place in the very heart of my home town.