Josef Müller-Brockmann

 

This is a bold amazing book cover by Josef Muller-Brockmann. It was created  in 1950 for a book exibit in Zurich. He was a swiss graphic designer and teacher. He wrote The Graphic Artist and his Design Problems", Grid Systems in Graphic Design,  History of the Poster and  A History of Visual Communication. These books provide an in-depth analysis of his work practices and philosophies, and provide an excellent foundation for young graphic designers wishing to learn more about the profession. He spent most of his life working and teaching, even into the early 1990s when he toured the US and Canada speaking about his work. 

This design caught my eye because of it's obvious beauty. The positive and negative shapes alone are playful and innovative, yet books are so classic. The visual image of a book pops into your head without thinking of it. He visually broke down the image and designed it beautifully. This piece is a literal bouncing balancing act as an asymmetrical piece. When did books leap off the shelves with energy and playfulness. Your eye literally dances around all the shape while proximity and varied repetition keeps it all together. His pieces are bold and fresh. http://www.designishistory.com/1940/joseph-mueller-brockmann/ or http://aqua-velvet.com/2011/02/josef-muller-brockmann-zurich-book-exhibit-1950s/ can get you started. Better yet, type in his name and just explore.