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Student Narrative
Orlando Darling combines the texts of Orlando by Virginia Woolf and Candy Darling by Candy Darling. This project explores gender and intimacy through a system that positions type and images in relation to their perceived femininity versus masculinity and their proximity to the author. By merging these texts, I investigate the idea of change as central to one's trans identity. Both Orlando and Candy are transgender, but this aspect does not define their identities. They are poets, movie stars, singers, artists, etc., but they are never defined by their trans identity. The typesetting reflects this idea of change and contrasts Orlando as a work of fantasy with Candy Darling as a gritty biography. The text systems are arranged according to the intimacy of the writing with respect to the author. Candy Darling, who writes in the style of journal entries, moves between extremes. When her writing is deeply personal, the text shifts toward the center of the book. Conversely, when she presents fabricated stories, the text moves to the edges of the pages, forcing the reader to engage with the content as something external. As Orlando is a work of fiction, it cannot be as personal and remains centered on the spreads, occasionally flowing back and forth as the characters Woolf creates fleetingly reveal aspects of her own life.
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Description
Entry for the 11th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, Main Reading Room. Juror: Roger S. Williams.
Keywords
artists' books; Baker & Whitehill
Disciplines
Book and Paper
Student Status
Undergraduate student
Year of Graduation
2026
Major
Graphic Design
Faculty / Course
Laura Coombs; Type II
Materials + Techniques
Black and White Ink, Black and White Paper
Recommended Citation
Baker, Willow; Collections, Special; and Library, Fleet, "Orlando Darling" (2024). 11th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2025. 1.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/bookcontest11th2025/1
