ALFRED WILLIMANN (1900-1957) LICHT IN HEIM BÚRO WERKSTATT. 1932.
50x35 3/4 inches, 127x90 3/4 cm. Wolfsberg, Zürich.
Condition A-: minor repaired tears, creases, abrasions and restoration at edges; minor creases and restoration in image; repaired pin holes in corners.
As professor at the Kunstgewerbe Schule in Zürich, first in typography, then in photography, Willimann influenced a whole generation of design students including Müller-Brockmann and Adrian Frutiger, who quoted one of his basic principles: "Do not apply black but cover up white, so as to make the light of the white sheet active." That utilization of negative space is exemplified in this work, more than any of his other posters. Willimann created this poster for an exhibition of "Light in Home, Office and Workshop" at the Kunstgewerbemuseum during Zürich Light Week - a 10-day long exhibition aimed at bringing public awareness to the new possibilities of electric light, while showcasing artificial light as a design tool. With the motto "Technology and art shake hands," it was fitting that electric companies along with artists such as Max Bill and Giacometti contributed to the exhibition, which boasted attractions such as a "swimming fountain of light, an amusement park, night excursions, spectacular neon signs and temporarily illuminated streets, buildings and shop windows" (Totalitarian Communication, p. 127). rare. Muller-Brockmann 259, Swiss Graphic Design p. 70, Werbestil p. 13, Plakat Kunst p. 116.