As we discuss the impact that the Bauhaus school in Germany had on modernism, let’s look at the ways that Bauhaus graphic design professor Herbert Bayer used modernist principles to design currency in 1923. You can see an example of this in Megg’s History of Graphic Design, on page 351 of the printed textbook, or page 1060 of the ProQuest e-book hosted through CUNY’s library system. There is also an example of this historical design artifact in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
- First, outline what elements of modernist design you see in Bayer’s currency.
- The currency that we use in America has had some design updates in the past 30 years, but the intricate patterns, individual portraits and ornate seals, have remained constant design elements for over 100 years. You can learn more about the history of American currency design from the Federal Reserve Board here. Take some time to explore this resource, or to look at some physical bills, if you have any on hand.
- Then, use modernist design principles to re-imagine what American currency could look like if it was fully redesigned in the early 20th century. What patterns, colors, symbols might be used? What phrases might appear on these bills, and in what type?
