Mucha's Japan House

Upon entering the Japan House and seeing Mucha's work, I was instantly suprised how small a lot of his work was. There was one called "Book Illustration" which was probably the smallest, and I was amazed at how much detail was in this image. I know he was a graphic artist, but the internet images I had seen of his work was nothing compared to the actual pieces.
My favorite piece was  "Folio Plate (No.11)" which was published in 1902. This image, of a mystic looking woman completely comprised of one neutral color, was also suprising because I noticed grid lines in the image. I did not know he used grid lines in his works. I found a simplicity in this piece, as it didn't appear to be an advertisement for anything or a magazine cover.
I also enjoyed the "Magazine Cover" published in January 1922. The work depicted a queen-like mother with an infant in her arms. The colors were piercing, and the entire work was intriguing and alluring.

Alphonse Mucha 2

Alphonse Mucha played an important role in graphic design. He began as a painter and later created his own style for posters and advertisements. He introduced this style when Sara Bernhardt asked him to design a poster for her play, Gismonda. Immediately, there was great attention to this new style, and Bernhardt invited Mucha to create more posters and stage sets. This contract with Bernhardt lasted for six years.

During this time, the era of Art Nouveau was brought about and many considered Mucha to be head of this category, but Mucha claimed to have his own style and his on way. He is known for his curves, earthy colors, and decorated women.

Mucha created numerous advertisements for many different companies, including Champenois, who published and distributed many of Mucha's works and made them available as home art. Mucha also worked for Nestle, Champagne Ruinart, and many more.

Kurt Schwitters

The Merzbau 1933: This image reminds me of M.C. Escher's Relativity, because it has a lot of the same forms. Also, the movement in this directs one's eyes all around it.

Plate 5 1923: The square and rectangle shapes in this piece give it a strong composition. There is balance and rhythm, too.

For Kate 1947: The various strength lines in this work give it a flowing feel. There's movement with the spread of the woman's arm.

Saul Bass

The Man with the Golden Arm 1955: Saul Bass incorporates line and shape elements in this poster. His work of the arm, because of the line element, creates a sense of foreboding. There is emphasis with the black shapes and the protruding limb.

Bunny Lake is Missing 1965: In this poster, Saul again uses the element of shape and form. The sense that the image of the cut out person being 3D is known because of the use of form.

The Shining 1980: Unity is clearly a principle in this design. Without the unity of the letters, the face would not be recognizable.

Dmitri Moor

Help! 1921: The figure in this is thin, starving and the wheat stalk behind him looks ruined in reference to the agricultural aftermath of Russia's civil war in 1921. This is an extremely dramatic, moving image. Clear and striking.

What have YOU done to help the front? 1941: This reminds me very much of Uncle Sam and gives me a feeling of duty. I love how simple, yet authoritative, it is. I love the contrast and little use of color.

Workers of the World, Unite 1920: This poster is, again, dramatic and reminds me of a vector image. It has a powerful statement which grabs the attention of the audience.

From these three works, I can surmise that Moor created propaganda art. His messages are moving and direct. His art work is based on politics and economy.

Alphonse Mucha

Zodiac 1896: The zodiac symbols forming a circle around the head are eye catching.
I like the continue theme of circles throughout the image.

Bieres de la Muese 1899: Mucha's ethereal quality is extremely appealing, specifically in this image. The smaller pictures the woman is leaning on is a good concept, especially during the time period this was created.

Maud Adams as Joan of Arc 1909: I like the use of pastels and the decorated border in this image.

I'm also fascinated with the expression on the woman's face and the semi-transparent face above her.