Stop Motion: Poster Collection 31

Posters have traditionally incorporated the aspect of movement by using images and text on a static, two-dimensional surface. Stop Motion explores the creative approaches to suggesting movement, recession into depth, dynamics, and rhythm, such as perspectival narrowing, plastically rendered motifs, borrowings from Op Art or psychedelic art, blurring or time exposure, and sophisticated printing techniques.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2019
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

The medium of the poster stands out for its unique ability to blend images and text on a static, two-dimensional surface. While designers have traditionally played with the idea of expanding the plane by incorporating a third dimension, whether spatial or temporal, to create the illusion of movement, Stop Motion takes a deeper dive into the myriad creative approaches employed to suggest movement, recession into depth, dynamics, and rhythm.

One of the traditional stylistic techniques used in painterly and illustrative posters is perspectival narrowing, which involves creating a sense of depth and perspective on the poster's surface. This can be achieved through the use of perspective lines, shading, and other visual elements. Plastically rendered motifs, on the other hand, involve creating images that appear to be three-dimensional and have a tactile quality. These motifs often incorporate elements of nature, such as flowers or animals, and are designed to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity.

In photographic posters, techniques such as blurring or time exposure are used to create an image that vibrates and suggests movement. These techniques involve manipulating the exposure time of the camera or using special lenses to create a blurred effect. By doing so, the poster's image appears to be in motion, even though it is static.

However, sophisticated printing techniques can also broaden the possibilities of visual expression in posters. For example, digital printing technology allows for the creation of high-quality, vibrant images that can be printed on a wide range of materials, including vinyl, canvas, and even metal. This technology enables designers to create posters that are not only visually stunning but also durable and long-lasting.

In contemporary posters, it is the strictly graphic means of writing, abstract pictograms, or geometric forms that stretch out nested spaces, through which the gaze wanders restlessly. These forms often create a sense of movement and dynamism, even though they are static. Stop Motion reveals that poster designers have in fact traditionally sought to incorporate the aspect of movement into their designs. Moreover, the works assembled in the publication show that, with the exception of the current animated poster trend, the simulation of movement and three dimensions is always the result of a conscious design decision motivated by the respective content.

In conclusion, the medium of the poster is distinguished by its ability to blend images and text on a static, two-dimensional surface. While designers have traditionally played with the idea of expanding the plane by incorporating a third dimension, Stop Motion explores the myriad creative approaches employed to suggest movement, recession into depth, dynamics, and rhythm. From traditional stylistic techniques such as perspectival narrowing and plastically rendered motifs to sophisticated printing techniques and contemporary graphic forms, poster designers have sought to create works that are visually engaging, dynamic, and meaningful.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037786017