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April 2001

Graphic Examples

Japanese graphic design

“Originally, we didn’t want to stage another exhibition because we were in the middle of preparing for the move [to the Pinakothek der Moderne],” smiles Florian Hufnagl, director of the Neue Sammlung. “But this was an opportunity too good to pass up.” And so, the Staatliches Museum für angewandte Kunst will present the visually stunning show “Ikko Tanaka: Graphic Design from Japan” (on display until May 6) — probably the last exhibition in the Neue Sammlung’s old premises, on Prinzregentenstrasse 3. Tanaka, Japan’s most important and influential graphic designer, personally selected the exhibits from among his extensive oeuvre, which was produced over a period of 50 years and encompasses book design and logos as well as packaging and posters for cultural events, fashion designers, social and environmental causes. Tanaka’s poster art, the focus of this exhibition, is fascinating in its diversity — traditional Japanese elements fuse with Western influences, bright colors juxtaposed with sober black and white ,and geometric, abstract compositions with bold brushwork and calligraphy. Thankfully, Neue Sammelung organizers chose these clever packaging exhibits over packing boxes.

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