When Death Comes
Visual Language · Symbol Design · Art Direction
MFA Project
A visual translation of Mary Oliver's When Death Comes using a custom system of symbols.
I developed a visual language for each stanza of the poem, designing the symbols to flow together as continuous scenes rather than isolated icons. The translations were printed on cotton sateen and presented alongside a reading guide and glossary that allowed viewers to decode the system.
I printed the translation scenes on cotton sateen to make them feel cozy, like the poem itself, and so that they resemble individual flags.
I created a glossary to accompany the piece so that viewers could decode each scene.