The Visual Language of Herbert Matter
Dec 13 - Dec 15, 2011
(Reto Caduff, 2010, Switzerland, DigiBeta, 80 min)
Seattle Premiere!
This new documentary is a revealing look at the fascinating life story of the highly influential mid-century modern design master. Known as a quintessential "designer's designer," Swiss born Herbert Matter is largely credited with expanding the use of photography as a design tool and bringing the semantics of fine art into the realm of applied arts. In today's commercialized and over saturated design world, Reto Caduff (Charlie Haden: Rambling Boy, A Crude Awakening) lets luminaries such as Robert Frank, Massimo Vignelli, Alvin Eisenmann, Steven Heller, Elaine Lustig Cohen and others explain why Matter still matters. Through never-before-seen footage, personal photography and stunning graphic design work, the film explores the social and cultural impact of his personal visual language that influenced a whole generation of designer and artists.
"You do not need to be a professional designer or some such expert to enjoy this documentary about one of the greatest graphic designers of the 20th century." —The Stranger
