All Things Considered

Saul Bass
Posted by Simon Lewin

An exhibition of Saul Bass’s instantly recognisable work has opened at the Kemistry Gallery in London.

Breaking all conventions in the 1950s and 60s, Bass virtually invented film titles as we know them today, and he was the first to synthesize movies into compelling trademark images.

In a period when graphic imagery can be so easily manipulated electronically, Bass reminds us that a strong idea is always at the heart of a great design. His work, as reflected in this exhibition, is as refreshing today as ever.

Born in New York in 1920, Saul Bass moved to Los Angeles where he set up his design studio in the 1950s. From this time until his death in 1996, Bass continued to work with Hollywood’s leading directors, including Preminger, Hitchcock and Scorsese. In 1968 Bass received an Oscar for his own film ‘How Man Creates’, which he regarded as his seminal work. Bass’s authority derives not only from his film work and posters; he is also acknowledged as one of the 20th century’s most successful corporate designers, responsible for (amongst others) the logos and identity systems for AT&T, United Airlines, Alcoa and Warner Communications.

The exhibition runs until 17th March 2011 at the Kemistry Gallery, 43 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PD. Visit the Kemistry Gallery website.

Posted by Simon Lewin on February 19th, 2011