Ladislav Sutnar : Visual Design in Action, 1961 [AIGA, Exhibition Catalog]

Ladislav Sutnar : Visual Design in Action, exhibition catalog, 1961. The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), New York, USA. 6 x 12, pp. 12 plus glossy stapled covers. Design by Ladislav Sutnar (1897–1976).

This major exhibition curated by Allon T. Schoener of The Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati coincided with the publishing of Sutnar’s 1961 landmark book, “Visual design in action—principles, purposes.” This 1961 traveling exhibition originated at The Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, in cooperation with Champion Papers of Hamilton, Ohio. Soon after, in conjunction with AIGA, this exhibition traveled to the Pepsi-Cola Exhibition Gallery at 500 Park Avenue in New York City from August 2 to 30; the first photo in this catalog is the exterior of the gallery. 

The catalog includes a Preface “About the Exhibition” and two texts by Sutnar: “Why is Good Design Needed?” and “What is Good Design?” with text throughout related to Sutnar’s early period of graphic design (1928–38) focusing on: new exhibition design and new product design. The catalog concludes with short texts “About the Work of Ladislav Sutnar” by Edward Gottschall, Karel Teige, Max Gottschalk, Mildred Constantine, Ann E. Ferebee, Dr. Douglas Haskell, and more. Illustrated throughout with (11) black and white images. Thoughtfully designed and printed in black and red on glossy and vellum stock.

From the Preface: “The lack of discipline in our present day urban–industrial environment has produced a visual condition, characterized by clutter, confusion and chaos ... There is an urgent need for visual communication based upon precision and clarity. This is the area in which Ladislav Sutnar excels.” — Allon T. Schoener

A nearly fine, uncirculated original catalog with the slightest hint of wear.