Jelte van Abbema has developed radical concepts within graphic design. He is interested in the expressive potential and authenticity of the printed media. The project Symbiose consists of a JCDecaux poster column with a controlled internal environment. In the course of time the bacteria transform and create their own forms and dimensions by spreading beyond the edges of the paper. In Virtureal, a combination of the virtual world and reality, he explores the boundaries between people and machines.

Jelte’s design is very current and responds to the unwinding (and the lack) of time; he goes against it. Jelte opens the debate on temporality, usefulness and usability by connecting to other disciplines (science, computer technology, biochemics) and a different approach. His designs enforce reflection and awareness.