The history of posters begins in the 15th century with woodcut broadsides, which were crude, text-heavy announcements selling everything from religious indulgences to political decrees. But the modern poster as we know it, emerged in the late 19th century, propelled by the Industrial Revolution and the blossoming field of lithography. This new technology allowed for mass production of vibrant, colourful images, perfect for capturing the attention of urban crowds.
Paris of the 1920s became the artistic hub for these posters. Jules Chéret, the "father of the modern poster," seduced onlookers with his graceful Art Nouveau figures promoting theatres and
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nightclubs. Alphonse Mucha, conjured up otherworldly beauty with his flowing gowns and dreamy landscapes for products like Sarah Bernhardt's theatrical productions.
The poster's purpose expanded in the early 20th century. Consumer brands like Coca-Cola and Guinness employed bold typography and iconic imagery to etch themselves into public consciousness. Political movements, too, seized upon the poster's persuasive power. Soviet propaganda posters with their heroic workers and steely gazes rallied support for the communist cause, while British wartime posters like "Keep Calm and Carry On" urged stoicism in the face of Nazi aggression.
Throughout the decades, the poster evolved with the times. The sleek minimalism of Art Deco graced cigarette advertisements, while Pop Art's bold colors and ironic imagery parodied consumer culture. The anti-war and civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s found powerful expression in posters featuring clenched fists and raised voices. And with the digital revolution, posters transcended physical walls, finding new life on websites and social media, their reach amplified yet again.
The poster's legacy endures today, as it continues to be a canvas for artistic expression, adorning gallery walls and inspiring contemporary designers. It remains a potent tool for activism, with climate change and social justice.
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Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron, known professionally as A. M. Cassandre, was born on January 24, 1901, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. He was the eldest son of French parents who had settled in Ukraine. Cassandre's father was an architect, and his mother was an artist. In 1915, the family moved back to Paris.
Cassandre attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the Académie Julian. He began his career as a graphic designer and poster artist in the 1920s. In 1923, he founded the design agency Alliance Graphique with two friends. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs
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and became one of the leading figures of the Art Deco movement. His designs were characterized by their bold use of colour, geometric shapes, and the use of negative space. He was particularly skilled at using typography in his designs, often experimenting with new fonts and layouts. Some of his most famous posters include the Dubonnet, Normandie, and Nord Express posters.
In addition to his poster work, Cassandre also designed logos for companies such as Yves Saint Laurent and Perrier. He was also a prolific painter and created several important works in the Surrealist style. His career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and he moved to the United States in 1939. He continued to work as a graphic designer and painter and taught at the New York School of Visual Arts.
Cassandre returned to France in 1946 and continued to work as a designer until his death on June 17, 1968, in Paris.
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