Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

Library Gallery

Word & Image: Swiss Poster Design: 1955 - 1997

February 9 - April 3, 1998

Over sixty posters, as well as publications by 30 influential Swiss designers will be presented to explore the impact and influence of the International Typographic Style or Swiss Design on graphic design and visual communication. The Swiss Design style emphasized an overall clarity of composition created by an innovative combination of typography, photography and graphic elements in which the message became an integral part of the design and the designer an "objective conduit" of information to society.

Both the exhibition and accompanying catalogue will explore in-depth how the particular use of typography and photography have largely defined what is now known as Swiss Design. Represented in the show will be key works by such internationally recognized designers as Max Bill, Armin Hofman, Josef Muller-Brockmann, Bruno Monguzzi, Siegfried Odermatt, and Rosmarie Tissi. Drawn mostly from the extensive collection of Thomas Strong, partner in the graphic design firm Strong-Cohen, New Haven Connecticut, the exhibition is curated by Assistant Professor Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo, Department of Visual Arts, and Cynthia Wayne, Curator of Exhibitions, and will be accomplanied by an illustrated catalogue.

Public programs for the exhibition were held on Wednesday, February 25, 1998, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and included a gallery tour led by Thomas Strong and Christopher Pullman, Vice President for Design for WGBH, public broadcasting in Boston; and a slide lecture by Mr. Pullman discussing the successful components of Swiss design. A reception followed.

Past Gallery Exhibits