BnF's 'Graphisme(s)' Exhibition: A Flawed Yet Laudable Survey of Graphic Design
From mid-September to mid-November 2001, the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) presented 'Graphisme(s), 200 créateurs' in a 300-meter corridor at its Tolbiac location. Curated by Anne-Marie Sauvage, this exhibition focused on contemporary graphic design, allocating only half the space to posters to challenge common misconceptions. It drew in both casual visitors and design students, organized into four segments: 'faire se repérer,' 'faire reconnaître,' 'faire lire,' and 'faire regarder,' which faced criticism for their awkward phrasing. Nonetheless, the exhibition received acclaim for shedding light on an overlooked area and the BnF's graphic design collection, including archives from Jean Widmer. Critics noted the absence of significant figures and overly simplistic commentary. Steven Heller's 1995 quote in Emigre magazine remarked, 'Design is hell.'
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Graphisme(s), 200 créateurs' held at BnF from mid-September to mid-November 2001.
- Curated by Anne-Marie Sauvage, conservator of the prints department.
- Exhibition occupied a 300-meter corridor at BnF's Tolbiac site.
- Four sections: 'faire se repérer', 'faire reconnaître', 'faire lire', 'faire regarder'.
- Posters limited to half the display area; included books, catalogs, stamps, signage, etc.
- Criticized for vague classification and overrepresentation of public/cultural sector work.
- BnF holds the largest graphic design collection in France; archives of Jean Widmer were made accessible.
- Quote from Steven Heller in Emigre (1995): 'Design is hell.'
Entities
Artists
- Anne-Marie Sauvage
- Jean Widmer
- Steven Heller
Institutions
- Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)
- Emigre
Locations
- Paris
- France
Sources
- artpress —