The document discusses the 'Mestizo' typeface designed by Johannes König, highlighting its representation of cultural identity through typographic elements that effectively combine Spanish and Latin influences. The author, identifying as mestiza, critiques other artists' interpretations of Mexican culture while praising König’s work for its authentic portrayal and balanced aesthetics. Additionally, it explores the concept of truth in photography, using the example of Keisuke Jinushi's Instagram images, which challenge perceptions of reality in digital communication.

1. Blog Writing
Krystal Aguilar

2. Topic: TypeFace Art
Mestizo Font by Johannes Konig
http://creativeroots.org/2012/08/mestizo-typeface/

3. Topic: TypeFace Art
The "Mestizo" font illustrated by Johannes Konig particularly appealed to me due to its representation
of culture through typographic elements. I was curious how artists could portray culture through
typeface and if it was done successfully. Overall, his use of white space within and around the letters
makes the form legible, aesthetically pleasing, and incorporates enough balance of the Spaniard and
Latin influences. I searched for Mexican typefaces and Konig's work was executed the most, what I
felt, truthfully. "Mestizo" is a term used to categorize people of mixed race from Latin American and
Spanish parents. I chose Konig's typeface because I recognize myself as Mestiza. I have both
Mexican-Native and Spanish ancestors.
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4. Topic: TypeFace Art
In my findings, I observed how other artists used Native-American patterns and colors. I felt their
interpretation was a poor representation of the Mexican culture. On the other hand, Konig's typeface,
both in caps lock and lower case, shows exactly what the concept of Mestizo is. If one really thinks
about it, it can be offensive, being lumped into an inferior category due to the blood in one's veins.
The Spanish were and are, whether subconsciously or deliberately, thought to have finer blood and
superior physical features. This can be seen with the bold white lines, forming the letter, just as the
Spanish tried forming the government and conquering Mexico. The more flavorful, artistic, wild-yet-
ordered shapes that make the other half of the letter are supposed to represent the Latin American
blood. Konig chose to use English words of things or ideas that have been infused into the American
culture like "Tequila". In his other pieces, he also chose to use the font he created with a backdrop of
classic photographs. Those photographs are what he perceived to be ideal-looking Mestizos - his
reality.

5. Topic: An image that challenges the idea of truth and photography.

6. Topic: An image that challenges the idea of truth and photography.
“Instagram Girlfriend Hand”
http://news.cnet.com/2300-17938_105-10017879.html
I chose the Instagram-catered images of Keisuke Jinushi because “every joke has some truth to it.” This image perfectly
aligns with challenging the idea of truth and photography because in these images it looks like his girlfriend is being
playful and affectionate with him, but in actuality there is no girlfriend. We are inclined to think vision and photographs
always tell the truth; hence, the phrase, “seeing is believing.” This is a false. Although the images themselves are not
manipulates, Jinushi does use a sleight of hand. He appropriated the usual snapshots we see in our Instagram feed of
lovey-dovey couples spending time together, all, in order to represent exactly that. His other half … of his body,
specifically his arm, is supposed to represent a girlfriend. If I were first to look at the photographs and not pay attention to
the article’s pretense; the image would communicate to me that this gentlemen is happily in love with his sweet girlfriend.
That is visual cyber communication for you, not really reality.
The ways we use technology to communicate and live in an online community has it’s positives but also, its downsides.
We share our photographs and updates our “friends” on our live’s but this does not always reflect the truth or reality. We
are a brand whether we realize it or not. We manage our digital persona with shaping perceptions.There is an extreme
people can go to however. This can be in part to a combination of societal pressures and the newer “needs” of the
youthful generations.