Designers Contribute to ‘3 Minutes,’ a New Book to Benefit Tibet
3 Minutes is the second publication from the non-profit organization Designers Against Human Rights Abuse (DAHRA) and the second collaboration between DAHRA and the Tibet Relief Fund. The book is a collection of 10 separately designed booklets from designer collaborators including: Bibliotheque, Brighten the Corners, Stefan Gandl (NeubauBerlin), Alex Haigh (Thinkdust/HypeforType), Nick Hard (Research Studios), Jeff Knowles (Research Studios), Si Scott, Paul Skerm, Un.titled and Pentagram’s Abbott Miller. Each 16-page booklet illustrates a 3-minute interview with an individual affected by the Tibetan conflict, in which they themselves describe a pivotal 3-minute moment in their own lives.
In his booklet Abbott Miller composes the account of Ngawang, a former Buddhist monk. Arrested at his monastery for peaceful protesting and then imprisoned for 2 years in Drapchi, Tibet’s most brutal prison, Ngawang tells a story that becomes the emotional crescendo of the book.
Miller’s design for his booklet employs a motif of the traditional bright orange monks’ robes, like the ones Ngawang was forced to cast off after his arrest. The play of light and shadow against the fiery fabric prompts thoughts of loss, isolation, strength and reflection.
While the mantra-like background is maintained and repeated throughout the booklet, it is energized by a sans-serif typographic counterpoint. The monk’s words, translated into bold magenta capitals, jump between the pages. Across the bottom right of each spread repeats the chant, “I pray for a free Tibet.”
Ngawang’s is only a single tale amidst the larger story, but each “3 minutes” works in concert with the others to create a harmonious idea. In fact, when the abstract covers of all the contributors are brought together, they form a “3.” It’s a small number, but a message doesn’t need to be large to be powerful, and the collection is a reminder that when many small voices unite they can build a vast movement.
The book is available worldwide for £10 plus shipping and handling and is being distributed by Subism. All proceeds go to the Tibet Relief Fund.
