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This article was published on July 26, 2014

The present past: a visual exploration of heritage


The present past: a visual exploration of heritage

Deanna is a digital designer at Shutterstock with a passion for typography, layout, branding, curation and education. This post was originally published on the Shutterstock blog and has been reprinted with permission.


In a technology obsessed industry, the future is often in the headlines. At the same time, retro revivals and a thirst for nostalgia have continually proven a steady trend for a contrast.

This month, our friends at CreativeMornings are highlighting the theme of Heritage. For me, it’s extremely timely, coming just one month after losing my 96-year-old grandfather — and discovering his meticulously documented collection of photographic slides.

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Grandma Julia and Grandpa Kenneth Fallon in Washington D.C. by Kenneth Fallon

Visuals of the past can be alluring for a multitude of reasons. In my case, I focus on the story behind them, allowing them to embody those moments for as long as possible before giving in to the next urge to check my most recent Twitter notification.

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To me, heritage is about proof — proof of the uncertain. Ultimately, we take the stories of what has gone before, make them our own, and eventually pass them along to following generations, who will continue the cycle.

Here’s to building memories — history, even, with the visual arts.

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Vintage background with watch by Vadim Georgiev

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Thai typeset word in letterpress by worradirek

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Two women in Beirut, Lebanon by Marko5

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Stretched and uncooked pizza dough with tomato sauce by area381

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Lighting decoration with vintage bulbs by Hadrian

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Old and digital photo cameras by Poprotskiy Alexey.

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