The Neighbours – Visual Identity

The exhibition delves into the silenced memories of state violence survivors from Bulgaria’s socialist era (1945–1989), exploring how trauma is remembered, carried, and forgotten. The installation spans three evocative spaces—living room, bedroom, and kitchen—each symbolising distinct modes of memory: voiced, hesitant, and lost. 

Our design approach carefully echoes the installation's three-room journey through trauma, memory, and healing, whilst avoiding overtly tragic undertones in favour of fostering dialogue and hope. Working in tandem with Nikole Decheva, we crafted a multi-dimensional design system that delicately plays with contrasts—what is seen and hidden, remembered and forgotten… Similarly to how harsh lighting in photography symbolises what emerges from obscurity, the deliberate combination of dark grey and green colour palettes and contrasting grainy light green gradients only reinforce the interplay between silence and revelation and underscores the narrative around hope with reflection. In addition to the cohesive visual identity, we also developed space branding, a bespoke catalogue, promotional materials, merchandise, and social media assets, all reflecting the intense duality of silence and voice.

The project's profound impact is evidenced by its 60,000 visitors—a figure that eerily mirrors the estimated number of Bulgaria's forced labour camp internees—highlighting the crucial role of design in illuminating historically silenced narratives whilst creating spaces for collective healing and understanding.

Visit theneighbours.org and follow the story on Instagram.