Mois du graphisme in Échirolles showcases graphic design history and contemporary scene

The Mois du graphisme, held in Échirolles, France from November 22 to December 15, 2002, is a winter counterpart to the Chaumont festival, featuring multiple exhibitions across various venues. The event presented historical posters alongside contemporary graphic design, including works by Achille Mauzan, a French illustrator active in Italy and Argentina in the early 20th century. Exhibitions highlighted Dutch designer Anthon Beeke, Tessinian Bruno Monguzzi, and Iranian graphic artists previously unknown in France. A competition of 75 posters in partnership with SNCF raised questions about creating objects without their primary function. The East Coast/West Coast section showcased American design through three displays: New Yorker Seymour Chwast of Push Pin Studio, a group of designers from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the California magazine Emigre, founded by Rudy VanderLans and Zuzana Licko. While the accompanying publications were richly illustrated, their critical apparatus was often limited. Despite weak scientific foundations, the event represented a significant effort in France for graphic design.