New York School

The New York School consisted of a group of American artists who conjured their inspirations from avant garde and surrealism which was brought by European immigrants. With these inspirations they incorporated their own conventions and tailored their own American style.

The most admired designer had to be Paul Rand. He was commended for the being most influential artist in history for blending European and American styles as a whole.

Many Graphic Designers were becoming engaged in designing a corporate identity because businesses believed it would boost their image in society. Rand was well known for his contribution in this field but he also involved himself printing and advertising also.

Rand had praised works made by Cezanne to Tschihold because he sought for legibility and without excessive details and he focused on mundane items that no one would ever think, strip them off their identity and give them new meaning and value; like Duchamp with urinals.

Paul was fascinated with the idea of mutilating and blurring his designs and still able to be recognized as he discussed in his book ‘Thoughts on Design’ and constantly used in his designs.

Paul Rand saw his designs as artistic expressions, even signing them. If you look on the left, try and understand the meaning of this magazine cover. You can easily tell from the colours black, red and white that it is influenced by the Constructivists. There appears to be a note tied with a string saying ‘Merry Christmas’. At first glance it appears to be a christmas gift with the wrapping. Having a closer look, you notice that the supposed ribbon which is usually wrapped around the gift is actually barbed wire which is usually found around military bases. I initially believed that the red dots were just locations that are to be targeted but then I realised that it was drops of blood. He wishes to make the people aware of war and that while they are enjoying their Christmas, reminds us that there are people who are suffering.I really liked the way he used his images to narrate the meaning of something instead of actually telling us. It allows us to interpret it our own way and once we decode his messages, the realisation of his brilliance and creativity shines through.

Saul Bass was also an impressive artist who was known for his title sequences. He realised the significance of and opening and closing credits, because the opening credits can prepare the audience for what to expect in the film, like an entrée before you receive the main course. He wished to explain the essence of the story, an epilogue.

His notable work because it had created much dispute was ‘The Man with the Golden Arm’because it involved a heroine addict and during the 1950’s these images were prohibited from viewers. His brilliance is clearly conveyed by This sequence consisted of a black background with white rectangles appearing in random ways. While people are being introduced in the main credits four rectangular lines appear merging into one line then moulding into a white arm. At first glance, I know what you must be thinking, it is so mundane and boring but we must remember that this was the 1950’s people had never seen anything like so innovative like this before. He is the reason why we have graphic designers like Kyle Cooper, designing beautiful title sequences, it all started with an idea and that led to a whole new cinematic experience.