From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Josef Müller-Brockmann, (May 9, 1914 – August 30, 1996), was a Swiss graphic designer and teacher. He studied architecture, design and history of art at both the University and Kunstgewerbeschule in Zurich. In 1936 he opened his Zurich studio specialising in graphic design, exhibition design and photography. From 1951 he produced concert posters for the Tonhalle in Zurich. In 1958 he became a founding editor of New Graphic Design along with R.P. Lohse, C. Vivarelli, and H. Neuburg. In 1966 he was appointed European design consultant to IBM. Müller-Brockman was author of the 1961 publications The Graphic Artist and his Design Problems, Grid Systems in Graphic Design where he advocates use of the grid for page structure, and the 1971 publications History of the Poster and A History of Visual Communication.
He is recognised for his simple designs and his clean use of typography, notably Helvetica, shapes and colours which inspires many graphic designers in the 21st century. Many of his works can be found on the gallery Blanka.
References
- Friedl, Friederich, Nicholas Ott and Bernard Stein. Typography: An encyclopedic survery of type design and techniques through history. Black Dog & Leventhal: 1998. ISBN 1-57912-023-7.
- Purcell, Kerry William. Josef Müller-Brockmann. Phaidon Press: 2006. ISBN 0-71484-349-0.
"The use of the grid implies
ReplyDeletethe will to systematize, to clarify
the will to penetrate to the essentials, to concentrate
the will to cultivate objectivity instead of subjectivity
the will to rationalize the creative and technical production processes
the will to integrate elements of colour, form and material
the will to achieve architectural dominion over surface and space
the will to adopt a positive, forward-thinking attitude
the recognition of the importance of education and the effect of work devised in a constructive and creative spirit."
– Josef Müller-Brockmann (via http://www.artofthegrid.com/quotes.html)
"There are various reasons for using the grid as an aid in the organization of text and illustration. Economic reasons: a problem can be solved in less time and at lower cost. Rational reasons: both simple and complex problems can be solved in a uniform and characteristic style. Mental attitude: the systematic presentation of facts, of sequences of events, and of solutions to problems should, for social and educational reasons, be a constructive contribution to the cultural state of society and an expression of our sense of responsibility."
ReplyDelete– Josef Müller-Brockmann (via http://www.artofthegrid.com/quotes.html)