Ancient Text and the Use of Desgin Elements

The first thing I noticed when opening the pages of the Ethiopian Bible is the repeated use of warm colors in the pictures and symbols.  The symmetry of the columns was also noticeable as soon as I opened the book.  The use of pictures also made it possible for the reader to understand the text even without being able to read the text.

The authors/artists used the four principles of design with both the text and the pictures.  Contrast is found in the use of different colored text, red, to show the importance of the verse or to demonstrate the speaking of Jesus.  The artist demonstrates repetition with the consistent use of five colors (blue, yellow, red, orange, and green).  The artist also repeatedly uses red and yellow behind the head of Jesus on the cross to illustrate holiness.  The red and yellow are also used for the wrap around Jesus dead body in the tomb scene; this is repeated to represent holiness.  Alignment is demonstrated in the symmetry of the columns of text and they are justified so that the columns form perfect rectangles.

The importance of the elements of design was evident in the Ethiopian Bible.  I was able to follow the story without being able to read the language.  I could identify the important text and the important characters through the authors/artists use of repetition and contrast.