CHI NO MURE / BUNGAKUZA, 地の群れ/紀伊国屋ホール/文学座
Kiyoshi Awazu is a self taught graphic designer known for his Japanese cinema, exhibition and theater productions posters. Utilizing Japanese cultural designs in his work to comment on social and societal issues, he rejects previous minimal Japanese design aesthetics that were inspired by international style. Using bright pops of color, unique typography layouts, layering techniques and the psychedelic design aesthetic to create his prints. His style represents a statement against modernist aesthetics of the times, inspiring Japanese design and others internationally to experiment and break existing rules.
Along with taking inspiration from traditional print techniques such as ukiyo-e prints, he also referenced international artists. Such as Ben Shahn, who inspired his illustration style and social commentary. In some of his work, Awazu would destroy Japanese symbols to showcase resistance against traditional norms.
Pioneering experimental approaches, Awazu’s fusion of traditional cultural motifs with new aesthetics shows how designers began to resist the international style and create meaningful work that blends historical iconography, typography and imagery together.
Contextual Information Provided by: Nonaka Hill, Sabukaru and 50 Watts Books
[https://www.nonaka-hill.com/artists/121-kiyoshi-awazu/]
[https://sabukaru.online/articles/kiyoshi-awazu-reawaking-the-outdated]
[https://50wattsbooks.com/collections/kiyoshi-awazu?srsltid=AfmBOorsu6_hEMGmiQqhJBGqW]
