Native American Graphic Design Documented in New Book

Brian Johnson, a member of the Monacan Indian Nation, has published "Designed to Be Red: Native & Indigenous Graphic Works" through DelMonico Books on September 15. The book compiles over 200 years of graphic design from Indigenous creators across 144 distinct nations, tribes, and cultural groups.

The work aims to dismantle the myth that design history began solely in Europe in the 1800s. Johnson describes the three-year project, initially spurred by a request from the Poster House gallery in New York, as an endeavor for "cultural sovereignty." His own heritage and extensive career as a designer, curator, and partner at the design studio Polymode provided the foundation for gathering contributions.

"Designed to Be Red" features more than 200 graphic works representing a broad spectrum of Indigenous expression. Johnson argues that traditional Western design history does not align with Indigenous worldviews, which are often conceptualized as interconnected webs. The book highlights pieces significant to movements like the American Indian Movement.

The curation process involved addressing gaps in traditional archiving. Many works lacked documentation or proper attribution, despite being known within their communities. Johnson sought to restore the names and narratives of these artists and designers to their rightful place in design history.

The book also incorporates contributions from other Indigenous scholars and designers, including Dr. Jessica Moore Harjo and Jackson Polys. The title "Designed to Be Red" plays on the English word 'red' and 'read,' signifying both external categorization and the act of engaging with and understanding Indigenous stories.