Graphic design (Typography)

This thesis focuses on the translation of parole in libertáa, an early twentieth century poetic styling that combines a visual and written code proposed by F.T. Marinetti, the founder of Futurism, the Italian avant-garde literary and artistic movement. A translation of 5 "tavole parolibere" from the collection Equatore Notturno, parole in libertáa (1916) by the relatively unknown poet Francesco Meriano will lay the groundwork for the analysis of the obstacles a translator faces in regards to maintaining the faithfulness to the original while keeping in mind the rules Marinetti set forth in his manifestos on literature and poetry between 1909 and 1914. Meriano adhered to many of these Futurist literary conditions, and thus the translartor's task becomes more challengind as the rules dictate the style, content and form so uniquely interwoven within these pages. The aim of this thesis in not only to shine a new light upon Meriano through the English translation of some of his poems, but also to readdress translation theories with regards to parole in libertáa.

This thesis is a profoundly personal one. It examines the role of context in creation (authorship) and perception (reading an image) of representation. Born in Sri Lanka during the emergence of one the world's longest lasting civil wars, I never recognized my love and concern for the Island and its ancient history and culture until I traveled to America to pursue a higher education. Ever since, I have constantly found myself in situations where I am regarded as the 'other' or the 'outsider' ; I seem to not fit in completely in this country as well as in my own. In the US I am considered 'eastern' or 'exotic', whereas in my own country, I am considered 'westernized', no longer looked at as a typical Sri Lankan woman. This thesis examines and explores marginalization, orientalism, deconstruction theories, semiotic studies, dialect as well as attire, in the specific context of Graphic Design.