addis barge
graphic design, curation, cultural storyteller


about
instagram
linkedIn
resume
contact



California African American Museum
Identity System
This project reimagines the visual identity of the California African American Museum, exploring how an institution can communicate culture, history, and research through a cohesive design system.

The identity positions the museum as both a cultural archive and an active site of inquiry — connecting past and present while emphasizing storytelling as a form of knowledge production.

As part of this rebrand, I developed Cornrow Cartography, a featured exhibition concept within the museum’s programming, extending the identity into a narrative and spatial experience.

Identity System

The design centers on a flexible identity system that operates across print, digital, and spatial applications.

A core element of the system is a bracketed logotype, where nested forms frame and emphasize “African American,” creating a visual structure that both contains and highlights cultural content.

These brackets function as a graphic device for focus and framing — reinforcing the museum’s role in presenting, preserving, and contextualizing Black art and history.

Print & Visual Language

Across print and editorial materials, typography and layout extend the logic of the identity system.

The bracket motif informs composition, hierarchy, and pacing — guiding how information is revealed and read.

This approach positions print not just as communication, but as a curated experience that reflects the museum’s emphasis on research and narrative.


Spatial & Environmental Design

Within spatial contexts, the identity expands into environmental graphics, signage, and exhibition frameworks.

The bracket system adapts to scale and environment — framing imagery, highlighting key figures, and organizing information within physical space.

Through this flexibility, the identity becomes architectural, integrating with the built environment while maintaining a consistent visual language.

Back to top