Mia Murone

Publication as Archive. Designer as Archivist.

How can publication design be utilised to preserve, spotlight & unearth documented histories?

Project Abstract

The Archive exists as a series of traces, fragments and documentation, a representation of what has been. A publication acts as a conduit between the archive and the past, a physical tether to the tangible and intangible qualities of memory. This research project examines the role of publication design in moving the archive from private to public using my family archive as a case study. The project aims to encourage designers to connect with their personal histories, actively challenging institutional bias through their practice and using publishing as a means to rebel against the narrow definitions of what is and isn’t archivable. The resulting publication is a selection of materials and stories from my family archive gathered throughout the duration of the research project. 49485, explores the Italian Immigrant experience in Australia from the perspective of my Grandparents and the subsequent materials depicting their everyday lives. The title drawn from my grandfather’s taxi identification number, pays tribute to his 45-year driving career and the hard work and sacrifice of building a new life in a foreign country.

Q&A

Q: Band name or song title that best captures your feeling about communication design.
A: Lullaby For My Insomniac - James Blake & Satellite Business - Sampha

Q: How many hours a day do you spend thinking about or practising design?
A: I have unfortunately dreamt about InDesign shortcuts

Q: Tea or coffee? Estimate number of litres you consumed in 2024 so far.
A: Coffee. 2 minimum daily