Spanish design pioneer Cruz Novillo dies at 88
José María Cruz Novillo, an influential figure in the realm of Spanish design, has passed away. He was born in Cuenca in 1936 and left Publicidad Clarín in 1965 to create his own studio, significantly contributing to the establishment of design as a profession in Spain. His notable works include visual identities for Correos, PSOE, El Mundo, Renfe, Repsol, Tesoro Público, COPE, and the flag and coat of arms of the Community of Madrid. Renowned for his geometric precision and commitment to public service, he exhibited at Galería Skira (1972), Bienal de São Paulo (1977), and other prominent art events. A professor at several universities, he led the Asociación Española de Profesionales del Diseño and was part of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes. His accolades include the Medalla de Oro (2012) and Premio Laus de Honor (2023). In 2007, he co-founded Cruz más Cruz with his son. His contributions are chronicled in 'Iberoamérica Gráfica: Maestros' and 'Confluencias. Supersignos gráficos.'
Key facts
- José María Cruz Novillo died, aged 88.
- Born in Cuenca in 1936.
- Left Publicidad Clarín in 1965 to found his own studio.
- Designed logos for Correos, PSOE, El Mundo, Renfe, Repsol, Tesoro Público, COPE, and the flag and coat of arms of the Community of Madrid.
- Exhibited at Galería Skira in 1972, Bienal de São Paulo in 1977, and fairs ARCO, FIAC, Art Cologne, Art Basel.
- Created 'Diafragma Dodecafónico 8.916.100.448.256, opus 14' with duration of 3,392,732 years.
- Taught at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, and Escuela de Arquitectura of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
- President of Asociación Española de Profesionales del Diseño and member of Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
- Awarded Premio Nacional de Diseño, Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes (2012), and Premio Laus de Honor (2023).
- Founded Cruz más Cruz studio with son Pepe Cruz in 2007.
Entities
Artists
- José María Cruz Novillo
- Pepe Cruz
- Félix Beltrán
Institutions
- Publicidad Clarín
- Correos
- PSOE
- El Mundo
- Renfe
- Repsol
- Tesoro Público
- COPE
- Comunidad de Madrid
- Banco de España
- Galería Skira
- Bienal de São Paulo
- ARCO
- FIAC
- Art Cologne
- Art Basel
- Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
- Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo
- Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
- Asociación Española de Profesionales del Diseño
- Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
- ADG-FAD
- Cruz más Cruz
- Experimenta Libros
- Experimenta
Locations
- Cuenca
- Spain
- Madrid
- São Paulo
- Brazil