“X” assumed several different meanings over the years, having the ability to be simultaneously ambiguous yet assertive. From indicating an uncertain territory, “X” has always been associated to the unknown, being commonly used to point out an error. For instance, in 1637 René Descartes published “La Geometrie” where the letters a, b and c were chosen to represent three known constants, while x, y, and z were used for three unknown constants. Another example has been the use of “X” employed as the signature of illiterate citizen, signifying both individuality and anonymity. Generation X was dubbed by Robert Capa to the generation born after Second World War because it referred to a generation facing an uncertain future. In 1952 Malcom Little changes his name to Malcom X, symbolising his African family he would not be able to know. Today “X” gained additional connotations as joviality, independency, attraction, danger, and excitement.

*subject in Design Observer about Face Forward International Typography Conference.

Cycle > The politic of images
Curated by: João Baeta