The Kraft Exhibit: A Journey Through Time in Erfurt's Design History
Visionary Graphic Designer Siegfried Kraft (1920 - 2013) Passes Away
Prepare to dive into the vibrant world of Siegfried Kraft, a renowned graphic designer from Erfurt, in the eagerly anticipated exhibition "Kraft's Universe"! From September 19, 2021 to February 27, 2022, the Erfurt Museum will present this extraordinary exhibit, showcasing more than 3,000 pieces of Kraft's extensive lifework, donated by his family to the city of Erfurt.
Siegfried Kraft, a significant figure in Erfurt's 20th-century art scene, was not only a graphic designer and typographer but also a teacher, a member of various competition juries, and a freelancer for economic and cultural institutions. His impact on advertising graphics in the GDR was profound, shaping the visual landscape of the era. The museum's collection, enriched by Kraft's life's work, now includes the applied graphic work of Lothar Freund, making it a treasure trove of the two most influential Erfurt applied graphic artists of the latter half of the 20th century.
"Kraft's Universe" offers a captivating overview of four decades of applied graphic creation in the GDR, displaying the extraordinary versatility of this visionary designer. Kraft's greatest clients included Carl Zeiss Jena, Iga, and the church, and his diverse portfolio includes posters, packaging designs, church window designs, medals, awards, books, emblems, and exhibition designs, to name a few.
The Astonishing Artist: A Visionary in Visual Communication
The recipient of Erfurt's Culture Prize and a native of Erfurt, Siegfried Kraft (1920 - 2013) remains one of the city's most significant artists in the 20th century. His designs, particularly his brands, have indelibly marked the city's identity and numerous institutions. His design ideas continue to embody modernity and serve as an inspiring benchmark for good graphic design today.
Kraft was a trailblazer in typography, experimenting extensively with photography, and consistently integrating his photographic experiments into concrete design tasks. He left a lasting impact on the International Horticultural Exhibition (Iga) in the GDR, where he served as an idea generator and artistic director, creating the distinctive emblem and making significant contributions to the event's visual identity.
Few artistic estates capture the essence of a period like the estate of Siegfried Kraft, consisting of 3,206 objects. The Erfurt Museum was fortunate to receive this historical testament in 2019. The upcoming exhibition will offer a unique opportunity for the public to explore this remarkable and fascinating collection.
While extensive research on Kraft's impact on advertising graphics in the GDR is scarce, it is known that his works often combined strong visual communication with the socialist aesthetic prevalent in the GDR, shaping the visual culture of the time. Kraft's "Kraft's Universe" exhibition promises a tantalizing glimpse into his artistic development, thematic focus, and contributions to design in socialism. To learn more about his biography, specific works, and the exhibition, consider consulting museum or gallery publications focused on East German graphic arts or reaching out to institutions that have previously hosted the "Kraft's Universe" exhibition.
In the anticipated exhibition "Kraft's Universe," visitors can explore Siegfried Kraft's extensive lifework, which includes home-and-garden designs such as church window designs. The Erfurt Museum, enriched by Kraft's life's work, now boasts a collection that is a testament to his lifestyle and artistic influence, making it a must-visit for design enthusiasts.
%20Passes%20Away){kind=link}