What makes an icon?
By
definition, an icon is a religious painting or statue, revered and held sacred.
In modern usage the word has come to mean a symbol of a nation, community or
cultural movement – an object of particular admiration. In graphic design’s
lingua franca, an icon is an image, picture or representative symbol.
64
icons make up the ICONZ project. They are the evidence of a nation forming and
developing over time – as symbols, household names and objects, animal, vegetable
and mineral. The iconography reflects our unique location, origins, works of
nature, politics, cuisine and way of life – from our farming heritage to our
enthusiasm for sport and the outdoors – while also paying homage to the
achievements of individual New Zealanders.
The
core of the ICONZ project is the hardback book, ICONZ, showcasing
64 designed and illustrated graphic ‘icons’ by award-winning designer and
illustrator, Belinda Ellis. Each occupies a double-page spread and has
accompanying editorial. Richard Wolfe, author of many books on New Zealand
popular culture, has contributed to the icons’ narrations. The book is
published by Craig Potton Publishing, and retails for $19.99.
The
book is released in conjunction with complementary wrapping paper, cards, tags,
tee shirts, baby tees, tea towels, and aprons. Live Wires New Zealand Limited
is manufacturing and distributing the stationery items; Mr Vintage, the tees,
aprons, and tea towels.
A
website – www.iconzlogos.co.nz –
showcases the icons.
Through
its suite of illustrated icons, ICONZ catalogues New Zealand’s popular culture
and identity, celebrating the idiosyncrasies of our national self. It pays
tribute to those things that make this country unique, and that we have made
our own – our ‘kiwitanga’, our quintessential customs, artefacts, landscape and
people.
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