Communication Through Design As a Tool For Disseminating Ibn Gabirol's Legacy On The Occasion Of His Millennial Anniversary

Abstract

In April 2021, the consulting firm Narita designed a campaign to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of Solomon Ibn Gabirol, a prominent Malaga poet and philosopher of Jewish origin. The campaign, commissioned by the Malaga City Council, aimed to honor the figure of Ibn Gabirol and his influence on medieval Hebrew literature.

The central design of the campaign included a commemorative stamp with an illustration of Ibn Gabirol's bust, using synthetic strokes based on the few available images of the poet. Carefully selected typefaces in Spanish and Hebrew were used to ensure harmony between the different spellings. In addition, aphorisms taken from Ibn Gabirol's work were used to create promotional pieces such as posters, digital banners and motion graphics.

The campaign highlighted the importance of Malaga as a starting point in the life of Ibn Gabirol and his contribution to the Hispanic diaspora of the three cultures (Muslim, Jewish and Christian) in medieval Spain. The 11th century is considered a golden period for Jews in Spain, and Malaga was a center of cosmopolitanism and tolerance.

Ibn Gabirol stood out as a multifaceted intellectual and a committed moralist, whose work reflects a synthesis of classical philosophical influences. His legacy lives on thanks to campaigns such as this one, which rescue his message of love, tolerance and humanity. Narita's strategy made it possible to connect contemporary culture with the figure of Ibn Gabirol and his lasting influence in Malaga and beyond.