The Art Of The Motorcycle Guggenheim Poster
The Art Of The Motorcycle Guggenheim poster is an iconic piece of art that has become synonymous with the motorcycle world. Designed by Michael Beirut and Paula Scher of Pentagram Design, the poster was created to promote the Art Of The Motorcycle exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1998. The exhibition was the first of its kind, showcasing the motorcycle as a work of art and examining its impact on design, culture and history.
The Design
The poster features a black and white photograph of a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle superimposed with bold red typography that reads "The Art Of The Motorcycle". The design is simple yet striking, capturing the essence of the exhibition and its focus on the beauty and craftsmanship of the motorcycle. The use of black and white photography creates a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, while the red typography adds a modern touch and draws the viewer's attention to the title of the exhibition.
The poster has become a classic example of effective design, combining visual elements with typography to create a bold and memorable image. The use of negative space also adds to the overall impact of the design, allowing the motorcycle to stand out and become the focal point of the poster.
The Exhibition
The Art Of The Motorcycle exhibition was a groundbreaking event that brought together over 100 motorcycles from around the world, spanning over 100 years of motorcycle history. The exhibition showcased the motorcycle as a work of art, examining its impact on design, culture and history. The exhibition was curated by Ultan Guilfoyle and Guggenheim curator Thomas Krens, and was a collaboration between the Guggenheim Museum and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Ohio.
The exhibition was a huge success, attracting over 300,000 visitors during its run at the Guggenheim Museum. It was also controversial, with some critics arguing that the motorcycle was not a legitimate form of art. However, the exhibition helped to change this perception and brought the motorcycle into the world of high art.
The Significance
The Art Of The Motorcycle Guggenheim poster and exhibition have had a significant impact on the motorcycle world, helping to elevate the motorcycle as a work of art and challenging traditional notions of what constitutes art. The exhibition also brought attention to the history and culture of the motorcycle, highlighting its global significance and impact on popular culture.
The poster itself has become a collector's item, with original copies selling for hundreds of dollars. It remains an iconic example of effective design and its impact can still be felt in the motorcycle and art worlds today.
Conclusion
The Art Of The Motorcycle Guggenheim poster is a classic example of effective design and has become an iconic image in the motorcycle and art worlds. Its significance lies in its ability to elevate the motorcycle as a work of art and challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art. The poster and exhibition have had a lasting impact on the motorcycle world, bringing attention to the history, culture and design of the motorcycle and its impact on popular culture.