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 missing from art of the past? What role should typography, photography, and other media play in shaping a new kind of art? What role should language play in art and design? What sort of new strategies or ideas will be necessary for future art forms? What should education or “the academy” teach artists about their field? How should Bauhaus ideas be updated to remain relevant in 21st century art and design?
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Please also note that your first 2-3 page paper is due on March 15. 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 March 15
Select a design or design object created after 1971 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 the psychological perception of forms (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.
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