TypoTease—A Suggestive Typeface
Bachelor Thesis
Theresa Zettelmann’s bachelor thesis, TypoTease, from School of Design Pforzheim, explores the nuanced intersection between typography and sexualized themes, using pole dance as her focal point. By creating a typeface that captures the multifaceted nature of pole dance, Zettelmann challenges stereotypes and encourages a deeper understanding of this art form.
TypoTease began with a question: how can typography represent the tension between pole dance as both a seductive art form and an athletic discipline, without reinforcing stereotypes? Through extensive research into the history of pole dance, from its origins in ritualistic dances to its evolution through striptease and its current status as a competitive sport, Zettelmann created an alphabet where each letter embodies a different aspect of pole dance, from “A” for Artistik to “Z” for Zensur (Censorship).
Using the AI tool Midjourney, she generated each letter with a consistent visual style, emphasizing natural lighting and neutral backgrounds. The resulting typeface, characterized by elegant skin and metal tones, reflects the physicality and strength of pole dance. This typeface is showcased in a lexicon titled A-Z, der buchstäbliche Tanz an der Stange (“A-Z, the Literal Dance on the Pole”), blending aesthetic appeal with substantial informational content. Through the use of artificial intelligence, a typographic interpretation of the subject was created, challenging normative views on body, sexuality, and beauty. These visual prompts are compiled in a reimagined lexicon, linking them to all the terms associated with pole dancing. Initially perceived as a niche topic, this approach offers a narrow yet vivid entry point to broader concepts like morality, power dynamics, and freedom, while incorporating related areas such as dance theory, feminist perspectives, and sex work. The result is a medium that addresses the subject with both sensitivity and unfiltered directness. It presents a blend of deliberate aesthetic choices and seemingly random elements that reveal themselves as readable reflections of societal norms and ideals
Zettelmann’s work challenges societal norms and offers a fresh perspective on how sexualized expressions like pole dance can be visually represented. Her typography invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions and the broader cultural implications of such art forms. The accompanying lexicon provides a neutral space for exploring terms related to pole dance, treating practical and philosophical aspects with equal seriousness, and offering readers an unbiased look at the various dimensions of the dance.
In TypoTease, Theresa Zettelmann demonstrates how typography can be a powerful tool in rethinking and re-contextualizing topics often marginalized or misunderstood, elevating the discourse around pole dance and encouraging a more nuanced engagement with the subject.
Supervised by Prof. Alice Chi & Julia Kahl
