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, this exhibit explores the author’s pastimes, philosophy, and interest in the natural world through objects associated with the adventures in each of his novels.
Guided by reading, visual research, and object study, I developed a cohesive graphic strategy that used the landscapes described vividly in Pirsig’s narratives as a setting for the objects.
Color played a central role in visually unifying exhibit content with the selected imagery. Inspired by the blue and green tones of Pirsig’s 1960s motorcycle maintenance manual—featured in the show—I integrated this palette across interpretive labels and environmental graphics. The show is currently on view in the museum’s transportation hall.
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).
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
