365 Jar: Claude Kuhn

This post is part of a series highlighting various opportunities I have given myself to expose myself to new ideas that could inspire me as an artist. Read more about the 365 Jar.

Research an artist from history.


I realize Claude Kuhn is a contemporary artist and doesn't quite fit into the category of historical artist, yet; however, I took the opportunity to research Kuhn and his Swiss poster designs, because of my own brief experience with his work in Switzerland.

Born in Bern in '48, Claude Kuhn has been an artist for the majority of his life. Since the '80s Kuhn has become known for his unique, award-winning poster designs. His most notable posters are advertisements for boxing events and the Museum of Natural History in Bern.

I was first introduced to Kuhn's work by my graphic design professor Robert Winward at USU. Winward frequently travels to Switzerland and on a number of occasions has toted along groups of eager study-abroad participants. Quite often during one of these excursions, Winward and the students have visited the Museum of Natural History and at times have met up with Kuhn. (Sadly, we did not have the pleasure of meeting him during my own experience with this group.)

Kuhn and his wife Marianne have filled their home with a smattering of interesting treasures, including prints of Claude's posters, animal figures and real animals (both dead and living), modular furniture, and shelves neatly showing knick-knacks of uniqueness. He is quoted as saying, "I do not tolerate things being too sterile."

I should definitely, as a self-identified minimalist, take a page from Kuhn's book when it comes to the practice of surrounding oneself with inspiration for future designs. I have somehow gotten comfortable with a little too much sterility in my environment.

Through his own creative processes, Kuhn condenses his "breeding ground for... creativity" into clear and simple designs. Generally, his posters show the main object in the center of a solid-colored background. It's the simplicity and the subject matter of the object (or objects) and how it interacts within itself (or how they interact with each other) that captures my interest.

See for yourself:

View more images here.


Sources: 
Colorado State University: The International Poster Collection
Rene Wanner's Poster Page
Spaces, USM Modular Furniture, April 2009 (pdf)