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Stefan Sagmeister:
Things I have learned in my life
This exhibition began as a list of personal maxims designer Stefan Sagmeister made in his diary under the title Things I have learned in my life so far. Statements such as “Worrying solves nothing,” and “Trying to look good limits my life,” are part of a body of 14 different aphorisms that reveal one particular truth: Although human beings have been pursuing happiness for countless generations, it is not so easily achieved. Constant reminders help keep us on the right path, especially when they are presented in such original forms.
With the support of his clients, Sagmeister transformed these sentences into typographic works for presentation in spaces normally occupied by advertisements and promotions: billboards, projections, light-boxes, magazine spreads, annual report covers, fashion brochures, and, recently, giant inflatable monkeys.
The exhibition presents these works as digitally printed panels of varying size that envelope the gallery and immerse the visitor in an eclectic mix of visual audacity and sound advice. Sagmeister throws his diary, a lot of design, and a little art, together with a pinch of psychology and a dash of happiness, into a blender and pushes the button. We are treated to a complex blend of personal revelation, art, and design.
Stefan Sagmeister is one of today’s most innovative and influential graphic designers. His conception and application of graphic design goes beyond traditional notions of the practice, taking it to the realm of performative and conceptual art, painting and sculpture. Sagmeister is most widely known for his album cover artwork for bands like The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads and Lou Reed, and for books, like Mariko Mori’s Wave UFO, which function as sculptural objects.
Installations:
The artist can create site-specific installations at each venue upon request. The logistics and cost of each installation will be separately managed.
Optional Installation pieces:
Everybody always thinks they are right.
6 inflatable monkeys, varying sizes,
maximum height, width or length about 10 meters
Low expectations are a good strategy.
2 light tables: small table 9' 7'' x 35'', large table 34' 1.5'' x 20''; 2200 martini glasses, 3.5'' diameter, printed swivel sticks
Worrying solves nothing.
60,000 coat hangers, cable binders,
1 x 3 x 38 meters
Image:
Assuming is Stifling, 2004. Courtesy of the artist.
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