Brave New World

Theo Neuman:
Works with Books

" Ancora imparo
I am still learning. "
—Michelangelo, at 87

Vibes Quiet, reflective, solitary, poetic, slow-paced, and inward-looking

Vibes Layered, thought- provoking, contemporary, immersive, conceptual, reflective, and symbolic

180x210 mm, 143 pages, thread sewing; dummy book printed on matte paper—Hammermill Premium Color Copy Paper, 105 gsm; authored by Taehoon Um in English and Korean

draws its title and thematic inspiration from Aldous Huxley's novel but presents an entirely original photobook. It explores the emotional and psychological complexities of encountering unfamiliar worlds, based on the author's experience as a newcomer to Toronto. Combining disillusionment and discovery, it reflects on physical, emotional, and virtual spaces, offering a layered narrative of adaptation and alienation through smartphone photography.

The Aldous Huxley’s novel inspired the overall theme of the book in both design and editing.

Aldous Huxley’s novel inspired the overall theme of the book in both design and editing.

Covers
Repeated “BRAVE NEW WORLD” typography spans front and back, immersing readers in the core theme before they even open the book. Layered visuals hint at the interplay between image and text that unfolds within.

Front
An iPad on a lap shows a crowd transfixed by an unseen spectacle, its overlaid text merging image and type to highlight observer–observed tension.

Back
Neon lettering glows against patterned type, echoing the front’s intrigue and carrying the theme across the cover.

Front
An iPad on a lap shows a crowd transfixed by an unseen spectacle, its overlaid text merging image and type to highlight observer–observed tension.

Back
Neon lettering glows against patterned type, echoing the front’s intrigue and carrying the theme across the cover.

Typeface—Source Code

Object
A transparent plastic overlay envelops the covers, injecting a tactile artificiality that echoes the book’s central theme of inhumanity.

Size
The dimensions strike a balance between comfortable handling and clear presentation, supporting the sequence-driven photographic narrative rather than spotlighting each image on its own.

Object
A transparent plastic overlay envelops the covers, injecting a tactile artificiality that echoes the book’s central theme of inhumanity.

Size
The dimensions strike a balance between comfortable handling and clear presentation, supporting the sequence-driven photographic narrative rather than spotlighting each image on its own.

Editing
The role of both designer and editor involved carefully selecting and sequencing each photo to shape a cohesive narrative, ensuring every image contributes to the book’s story.

Diptych
Two images placed side by side engage in a visual dialogue, revealing deeper meaning together than either could convey alone.

Similarity

Imagination

Narrative

Metaphor

Similarity

Imagination

Narrative

Metaphor

Visual Rythme
Echoing shapes, colors, or motifs across images to create subtle links that enrich the sequence, revealing hidden connections and thematic resonance.

Visual pun

Theme extention

Theme|

|transition

Visual pun

Theme extention

Visual pun

Theme extention

Theme

transition

Visual pun

Theme extention

Structure
Arranged as a narrative arc—from Prologue to Twist—each section builds tension, shifts perspective, and ultimately resolves, guiding the viewer through a visual storytelling journey.

Prologue

Exposition

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Twist

Prologue

Exposition

Rising

Action

Climax

Falling

Action

Resolution

Twist

Prologue Image and Text
Bilingual text opens new territory—literal and figurative—while the photo evokes the thrill of arrival, establishing context for the reader.