(left: John Rieben. A Is the First Letter of the Alphabet. 1965-66. Lithograph. right: Frieder Grindler& Renata Grindler. Kaspar. 1969. Offset lithograph.)
It’s considered to be one of the most important and widely-seen typefaces of the 20th century. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Max Miedinger and Edouard Hoffmann’s design, Helvetica. For many designers and graphic-minded people, Helvetica, with it’s well-proportioned curves and straights, represents the perfect typeface. Clear and clean, and neutral.
The MoMA is honoring their first typeface acquired for MoMA’s collection with an installation of more than 25 works that feature the Helvetica font, including posters, signage, and other graphic material demonstrating the variety of uses of this design classic. Original lead forms of the Helvetica typeface from 1956-57 will be on display, as well as the New York City Subway Map (1970) designed by Massimo Vignelli; a variety of album covers, including Massive Attack’s Blue Lines (2001); and an American Apparel advertisement (2005).
As a special feature in the exhibition, an excerpt of Gary Hustwit’s documentary Helvetica (2007) reveals the typeface as we experience it in an everyday context.
50 Years of Helvetica
April 6, 2007-March 2008
The Philip Johnson Architecture and Design Galleries, Third Floor
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BLOWOUTS IN BABYLON
The Golden Hanger pop-up shop is going on for two days only, Saturday and Sunday this weekend. There will be 7 featured brands including Bijules, Rojas, Glad News, Sir Hayes baby gear, Still Life headwear, Christopher Bevans menswear, and Icelands’ Pretty Shitty as Imba.
Carlo Rossi jugs-o-wine will be free flowin! Click on flyer for more details.
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