Max Bill Global
An Artist Building Bridges
–
A key figure of modernism in Europe and globally connected renaissance man
1st edition
, 2021Paperback
256 pages, 153 color and 37 b/w illustrations
22 x 28 cm
ISBN 978-3-85881-877-5
In cooperation with Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern
Max Bill (1908–1994), a key figure of modernism in his native Switzerland and internationally, was a true renaissance man. Equally accomplished as a painter, sculptor, graphic and product designer, and architect, he was also an eminent theorist and educator, curator, and prolific publicist. Moreover, he engaged in Swiss politics and was an activist both in Switzerland and abroad. Throughout his career he connected with fellow artists and other leading figures of modernism, maintaining a lifelong and worldwide artistic and political dialogue.
This book, published in conjunction with a major exhibition at Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, Switzerland, takes a fresh look both at Bill’s remarkable achievements across his diverse fields of creative activity and at his international network, highlighting his contribution to art and society as a whole. Max Bill Global features some 80 of Bill’s own works in all disciplines and a selection of his designed products that went into industrial production, as well as work by some of his artist friends. It also includes topical essays investigating Bill’s interaction and networking with fellow artists in Dessau, Paris, Zurich, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and New York.
With contributions by Myriam Dössegger, Fabienne Eggelhöfer, Heloísa Espada, María Amalia García, Guitemie Maldonado, Angela Thomas Schmid, and Lynn Zelevansky.
Fabienne Eggelhöfer is chief curator and head of collection exhibitions research at Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern.
Nina Zimmer is a scholar of art history and Director of Kunstmuseum Bern and Zentrum Paul Klee.
"Supplemented by excellent text contributions, the book illuminates the facets of Bill's work: as a graphic artist as well as a designer and representative of concrete art, who operated with the best international networks." Daniel Kalt, Die Presse
"This excellent catalog book provides a knowledgeable introduction to Max Bill's life, work, world, and impact in Europe, South America, and North America. Highly recommended." Frank Becker, Musenblätter