Zen & the Open Road celebrating the 50th anniversary of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Inspired by Robert Pirsig’s semi-autobiographical novel and its follow-up, Lila, the exhibit explores the author’s pastimes, philosophy, and interest in the natural world through objects associated with the adventures in each of his novels.
As graphic design intern for the NMAH, I assisted with the conceptual development and schematic design phases of the exhibition. My biggest role was in drafting and refining the graphic strategy for the show. Combining landscape imagery as vividly described in Pirsig’s narratives with the faded blue and green swatches on his motorcycle maintenance manual I designed a suite of early title banners, section and object labels, and a wall mural for the show.
Pirsig’s maintenance manual which formed the basis of my design strategy for the show’s object and section labels.
Color palette.
Example Section Label: Riding
Example Object Label
Example Section Label: Sailing
Example Object Label
For the left-side sailing mural, a gradual transition from seascape imagery into Pirsig’s original nautical chart created a subtle visual conclusion to the exhibition experience.
Design and type selection for the intro banners (with initial title text).
