Spring 1998

New World order

Now that information management is a priority, the logical graphic style of Erik Nitsche has aquired a new relevance

The turbulent years that followed World War II saw attempts to change and question the world at every level of culture and society. In 1952 an exhibition entitled 'Purpose and Pleasure' asked the rhetorical question: 'Is there a new style of typography?' The international scope of the show . . . and the contributions of Paul Rand, Willem Sandberg and Max Bill made sure that the answer would be: 'Yes.' More affirmation was provided by the exhibition's inclusion of the work of Erik Nitsche - a less celebrated but equally important Swiss designer who was then working in the US . . .