In our current society, it is almost natural that we want to spend a few weeks a year on vacation. We need some free time and long for the days when we don’t have to work. We seek a certain freedom that we like to obtain by immersing ourselves in a different environment, so that we can experience a moment of peace and come to ourselves. But what if you don’t want to go back home? What if you have 'Fernweh', the German term for the longing to travel and stay away from home?

When I was younger, my parents had trouble with the idea of going back home during vacation. As I grew older, I also started to experience more and more of this fernweh feeling: the desire to stay where we were at that moment. Now I understand why my parents became happier with the romanticized locations they had been looking forward to all year. Because if you are constantly confronted with glorified vacation images in daily life, it is logical that you start to see vacation as something more beautiful. And if everything goes perfectly in this place, why would you go back to the boring life you had before? It is much better where you could be.

'(#)Takemeback' is a research project that explores the German term 'Fernweh.' Using artificial intelligence, this project visually represents the feeling of homesickness through places that do not physically exist but are recognizable to us. The publication exposes us to endless "beautiful and perfect" vacation spots, inviting viewers to dream about real or imaginary destinations and experience a reality check. Its aim is to make the contrasting feelings of wanting to travel to a different place than home and missing home tangible. '(#)Takemeback' offers a new perspective on travel and helps us appreciate the benefits of local places and "non-vacation destinations”.

Artist statement

Justin Wijberg is an experimental designer who fearlessly incorporates bold colors and extensive typography into his work, while always prioritizing legibility. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and those of his peers, he seeks to evoke subconscious emotions through his designs. He strikes a balance between abstract experimentation and narrative images, using various media to convey his messages. Through humor and recognizable scenarios, he challenges viewers to consider alternative perspectives. His ultimate goal is to create work that resonates with his generation and effectively communicates its stories and research.

Ambitions

In the future, I hope to join a graphic studio that specializes in form, color, typography, and humor, using these elements in different types of media. At the same time, I want to continue designing books as a freelancer and always combine design with illustration. This will allow me to express my love for visual communication and keep nurturing my creativity.

Learned during the studies

The most important thing I have learned during my studies is the power of effective visual communication. Through my education, I have developed a deep understanding of how messages can be conveyed using visual elements such as imagery, form, and typography in various forms of media. This knowledge has shaped my approach as a designer and continues to influence my work.

List of publications / exhibitions / prices / concerts / shows etc.

Publications
2020: ABRI Magazine, Academiegalerie

Exhibitions
2021: RE-FRAME, online event
2020: Lost & Found, online event
2019: Movement, Ekko
2019: Ekspo, HKU Media
2019: Multiplicity, LE:EN