Graphic Communication: Assimilation and Written Native American Language

by Yasmeen Persaud

Among the first events that kicked off Baruch College’s annual “Art-a-Thon” was a graphic communication session focusing on assimilation and written Native American language.

Professor Joshua Whitehead showcased his typographic research project to students highlighting the artistic and humanistic process in uncovering the language of Native American tribes. Whitehead worked with the American Indian cultural center in Oklahoma City in order to showcase his work. By being a typographer and also being part of the Choctaw tribe in Oklahoma City, he developed a passion that he put in his work.

“I am interested in [students] gaining a deeper understanding of how the written language and how typography is especially a vehicle for these preservation efforts,” Whitehead stated.

Whitehead explained that the art produced by Native Americans had a “quality in that geometry that was very human,” further discussing the issues of Native American culture and its impact on language to students.

“I feel like we all know the basis of Native Americans and what they went through but the professor went in depth on more of the arts and typography with Native Americans,” Baruch junior and business marketing management major Edward Monge said.

Graphics by Daphnelly Delacruz

Arts & Style Editor Benjamin Wallin was not involved in the editing of any “Art-A-Thon” articles due to his participation in the programming.