Our next reading assignment is 3 short texts from architect-designer-artists affiliated with the Bauhaus. They are as follows:

Walter Gropius; The Theory and Organization of the Bauhaus (1923): Gropius_Bauhaus

László Moholy-Nagy; Typophoto (1925): MoholyNagy_Typophoto

Herbert Bayer; On Typography (1967): Bayer_OnTypography

Here are some ideas and questions you might consider while reading these texts:
According to these  authors, what is lacking in art of the past? What sort of new strategies or ideas will lead to a new art for the future?  What role, according to these authors, should typography, photography, and other media play in the new art?  What role should language play in art and design? What should education or “the academy” teach artists about their field? Which of these ideas need to be updated and which continue to hold true in 21st century art and design?

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Please also remember that your first 2-3 page paper is due on October 14 (yes, that is a Wednesday). You are strongly encouraged to start thinking about, if not actively working on, this assignment. The question and requirements are as follows:

First Paper – Due October 14
Select a design or design object created after 1969 in which the influence of the theories considered thus far can be seen. Begin with a brief description of the object, the designer who created it, and the historical circumstances under which it was made. Considering these factors, examine the ways in which the creator was responding, directly or indirectly, to theories related to linguistics or semiology, avant-garde art movements or Gestalt psychology (ie. any of the ideas that we’ve covered). Discuss the manner in which the design you’ve chosen embodies these theories. Provide direct references to relevant passages from our readings. Locate additional writings using library resources to substantiate your comparisons.

Your goal is ultimately to provide a critical examination, not an account of historical details.

This response will be submitted as a 750-1000 word typewritten paper, double-spaced in 12 pt. Times New Roman. Include images of the work under consideration and any other relevant illustrations. Cite all materials researched for historical context, any related writings, and image sources. All sources, references and quotations should be cited in MLA format. You’ll upload your paper as a PDF, attached to a new OpenLab Post.