Book designer Alexey Murashko has won two gold prizes this year at the prestigious European Design Awards, which took place on June 7 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This is a historic achievement, as it is the first time that the work of one designer has received the highest rating in two book design categories at once.
Gold awards were given to two books, both printed at the Jelgava printing house. Latvian photographer Gunārs Binde’s photo book Binde 100–10 won the highest award in the «art catalogues» category, while the bilingual publication River Snow. Anthology of Ancient Chinese poetry was awarded in the «book design» category.
The photo book Binde 100–10 is a tribute to the legendary Latvian photographer Gunārs Binde on his 90th anniversary, and was published in parallel with the exhibition of the same name at the Latvian National Museum of Art. The publication is designed as a visually and tactilely rich art object, in which designer Alexey Murashko has especially highlighted the image of Binde as a master of light, using bronze, silver and mother-of-pearl effects. «This is a work that simultaneously honours the artist and becomes an art object in itself,» emphasises one of the compilers Anna Binde. The publication has also won the Baltic Book Design Competition.
The publication River Snow. Anthology of Ancient Chinese poetry, published by Neputns, offers works by 21 ancient Chinese poets in two languages — Chinese and Latvian, translated by Ieva Lapiņa. In the book design Alexey Murashko has combined Eastern aesthetics with modern European book design principles, using natural, recycled materials and special printing solutions, including grape-stalk paper and a delicate cover label. This edition has already received the LaLiGaBa and Golden Apple awards this year.
The European Design Award jury describes the edition as follows: «This multi-script book design presents the complexity of its content in an inviting manner. The choice of typefaces in each script not only aligns with the tone of the text but also offers a harmonious reading experience, ensuring that each language and its nuances are respected. The meticulously crafted typography —including the careful rendering of metres — presents the basic rhythmic structure of the verses with remarkable clarity and legibility. This attention to detail enhances the reader’s engagement, making the text accessible without sacrificing the depth of its original form. The choice of paper complements the hardback’s earthy tone, providing a tactile experience that underscores the book’s connection to its material and thematic roots. Altogether, the design embodies both functionality and artistry, making it a visually and intellectually enriching experience.»
The European Design Award is an annual award that honours the best communication design in Europe. The awards are given in various categories, including publication design, graphic design, digital design and other areas. It is one of the most important design events in Europe, judged by an independent jury consisting of design critics, design educators and journalists from different countries. This year, only 1.9% of all submitted works received the Gold Award, making this achievement a particularly significant recognition not only for Latvia, but also for Europe.
Viedokļi