International Design Exhibition Poster

Shigeo Fukuda is known for his minimalist designs, optical illusions, and logo-like simplicity. After World War 2, the Japanese graphic design profession began to rise. Designers like Fukuda found interest in international design, taking inspiration from their simple shapes and bold, simple color schemes. As a designer and artist, Fukuda focused on incorporating social and political topics into his designs, spreading important information, and bringing awareness to various issues. His work was particularly important in spreading anti-war sentiments throughout Japan, this was especially relevant after World War 2 when the people were looking for peace and reunion.

Fukuda spread traditional Japanese aesthetics in a modern way. Incorporating traditional Japanese art into his designs, he takes reference from traditional sumi-e (ink wash paintings and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). Quickly gaining fame he became the first Japanese designer inducted into the New York Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. This poster in particular was made for the International Design Exhibition in Japan, to celebrate innovative and new design concepts including his own. Referencing traditional Japanese culture while helping define a new type of design for Japan based on the international Swiss style, while spreading important notions about peace after war, environmental awareness, and social bonding in times of strife. 
 

Contextual Information Provided by: Sessions, Medium and Britannica 

[https://www.sessions.edu/notes-on-design/designer-focus-shigeo-fukuda/]

[https://medium.com/@ningchanginside/japanese-poster-art-ed2f5a84dd93] 

[https://www.britannica.com/art/graphic-design/The-digital-revolution]