Blog Post 2

What was really interesting to me was the sudden development throughout this section. What initially piqued my interest was Ardengo Soffici’s BIF & ZF +18 book layout. I think that the sudden changes in style and size of typeface was really interesting. It’s crazy to think how size influences the way that we read. For example, even the book mentioned the smaller size as feeling like a whisper. I think that it’s a really interesting perspective on how typeface influences reading. The sections we read also touch on Rosta posters and how Constructivists at the time wanted to destroy the division of the art itself and its production. I think this is when photography made a rise as well as the printing press.

What was interesting was El Lissitzky’s catalogue that was the beginning of co-operation between the reader and the designer. This catalogue was meant to be interacted with, far more than simply looking and understanding. There was a necessity on the part of the reader to interact with the product or risk misunderstanding the entire message.

Pressa exhibition catalogue (catalogue). (1928). Retrieved from https://thecharnelhouse.org/2014/03/01/el-lissitzkys-soviet-pavilion-at-the-pressa-exhibition-in-cologne-1928/.

While I was reading I was struck by John Heartfield’s work. I thought that the images in the book were interesting and well articulated. Despite being in another language, the message was still clear based on the chosen images. I then looked into some of his other work. These were images that I liked. The first is a photomontage that displays Hitler spouting nonsense while an x-ray shows his consumption of wealth. This image, not needing many words, is simple to understand. I also this it did well in working as a cohesive piece instead of choppy cut-outs. The next is a photomontage of a dove impaled by a bayonet. I think while there may need to be some backstory to this image, the emotion that it evokes is very powerful. Without knowing the details, you understand what it is trying to be said. I think that Heartfield’s work is really interesting.

Adolf the Übermensch: Swallows gold and spouts junk, AIZ 11. no. 29, July 17 (photomontage). (1932). Retrieved from https://www.theartstory.org/artist/heartfield-john/artworks/#pnt_7.

The Meaning of Geneva, Peace Cannot Live Where Greed Capital Exists! (photomontage). (1932). Retrieved from https://www.theartstory.org/artist/heartfield-john/artworks/#pnt_8.