Esc Keys by Susan Kare
The designer who gave the Macintosh a smile
Susan Kare (b. 1954) is the “designer who gave the Macintosh a smile”. She is known for designing the distinctive icons, typefaces and GUIs that "humanised the computer" in the early 1980s during her work at Apple. She's the artist behind the pixel icon "happy Macintosh" that greeted users on start-up, the intuitive "floppy disk" for saving files and "trash can" for deleting files. Her digital images transformed the text-heavy appearance of computers into friendly, human experiences, becaming instantly recognisable symbols that continue to be revered today.
esc keys
In collaboration with Asprey Studio’s Chief Creative Officer, Alastair Walker, the title of the exhibition draws inspiration from both the ‘escape’ key on a computer keyboard and the broader concept of ‘escapism.’ The unique release takes a new twist on the iconic designs whilst celebrating one of the world’s most influential women in technology.
A digital and physical collection
This collection includes new pieces designed by Susan Kare, available as digital artworks inscribed on the blockchain optionally paired with physical pieces, which can be wall-mounted or worn as necklace pendants, blending design with contemporary art.
The collection invites viewers to ‘escape’ into a space where technology becomes a means to explore the precious aspects of life reminding us of the humanity that lies beyond the digital. Continuing Kare’s legacy as the designer who "humanised" computers, one of the keys will feature the playful "panic!" button she once installed on her keyboard - a whimsical nod to the idea of escaping the pressures of modern society.