Wim Crouwel

Jan van Toorn

Dingenus van de Vrie

For graphic design aficionados, few philosophical clashes rival the one that Jan van Toorn and Wim Crouwel engaged in 1972. On the occasion of an exhibition of posters about the Vietnam War, they set out their respective precepts in a debate at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam- Crouwel defended his approach of neutrality and austere rationalism, and van Toorn argued that the designer's ideas and personality should be as present in the work as the content to be designed. The lines were drawn between objectivity and subjectivity in design; the stakes were aesthetic, ethical, even political. This debate has reverberated through graphic design practice across the decades. It is often referred to in modern design criticism as a key marker for the current profusion of design styles. But a translation of the proceedings have never been available to an English-speaking audience-until now. Along with the transcript, The Debatecontains a foreword by eminent graphic design critic Rick Poynor, a historical essay by Frederike Huygen, and a color gallery of works by Crouwel and van Toorn, positioned side-by-side, that demonstrates how their ideological differences translate to their graphic work.

The Legendary Contest of Two Giants of Graphic Design

The Debate

Ed van Hinte

Bruno Ninaber van Eyben

Through classic, powerful black and white photographs, most of which were taken specifically for this book, attention is not only paid to Ninaber's products, but also his vision, mentality, inspirations and fascinations.

With Compliments

Bruno Ninaber Van Eyben

Frederique Huygen

"A new, detailed monograph about Wim Crouwel, graphic designer and exhibition designer who defined the look of post war Holland with his studio Total Design. His modernism was reflected in countless posters and catalogues for the Stedelijk Museum, in stamps and experimental work like a sensational computer alphabet. In the seventies Crouwel evoked a lot of criticism but nowadays he is seen as a cult figure and an inspiration for many. The book is richly illustrated and shows us very much of his fine works. The text focuses on his career and views, gives informative backgrounds on his work, and places it in the right context"--Publisher's website.

Modernist

A Graphic Odyssey : Catalogue

Wim Crouwel

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