Walter Gropius; The Theory and Organization of the Bauhaus (1923), László Moholy-Nagy; Typophoto (1925), On Typography (1967) in Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field by Helen Armstrong on pages 32-34 and 44-49.

  • According to these  authors, what is missing from the 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?

According to the authors of The Theory and Organization of the Bauhaus, On Typography, and Typophoto, there are many elements missing from the art of the past. Many ideas are shared within these readings such as how traditional art and forms tend to lack common understandings of reality in isolating, while also lacking principle and structure to show expression. Typography, photography and other media should play a role in shaping a new kind of art though they also have the possibility of creating a sort of “controlled” artist that does not truly express themselves if they do not possess the ability to expand their mind and soul into their work. Additionally, the development of typophoto and other media have evolved the form of communication displayed within art, as it incorporates both visual and literary elements. When it comes to art and design, language plays one of the most important roles as language is so widespread it comes in a multitude of forms, shapes, contexts and people. Artists may choose to incorporate native languages to bring new meaning to their art that lies close to their hearts, and much more. For future art forms, it is suggested that new strategies include thorough understandings of principle, structure, perception, and developing formats of expression. According to these readings, education and “the academy” should be teaching artists the basis of theory for their fields, rather than exactly focusing on their disciplines. Gropius makes a good point in Bauhaus, being that “We must know both vocabulary and grammar in order to speak a language, only then can we communicate our thoughts”. Understanding the basis of language and communication pave the path towards developing one’s individualized form of artistic expression.

Hypothesis Annotations:

1: Bauhaus

2: Definition

3: Idea