‘Design Process Auto’ by Pierre Mendell

I received a gift from my friend, a poster by German designer Pierre Mendell for the exibit ‘Design Process Auto’ by Die Neue Sammlung in Munich.

'The exhibition provided an insight into the design process of automobiles, illustrating how designs and concepts are progressively refined until they reach a final solution. This process of simplification is reflected within Mendell’s poster. Through his design he wanted to convey the idea of progression. Using photography and line conversion techniques, Mendell demonstrated the exhibits subject matter through reductive form and bold use of colour — a familiar style amongst many of his work. The completed design demonstrates clearly and concisely that all car design starts from a single basic principle: four wheels.

Mendell’s familiar style reduces subject matter to its bare attributes, by utilising strong geometric form, striking colour, unexpected juxtapositions and missing elements, he allowed viewers to discover the exhibition on their own without taking the freshness out of the subject.

By supplying the viewers with little more than the first stage of car design, Mendell is encouraging the viewer to participate and engage with the piece, inviting them to fill in the details with their own imagination. Mendell’s ability to include and acknowledge the viewer demonstrates how accomplished and skilled he really is.

Through his reductive style, Mendell went on to define a whole generation of printed promotional material for cultural institutions all across Germany, earning him a reputation as one the worlds leading graphic designers.

His posters characterised the appearance of many public cultural institutions and for almost 30 years, Mendell continued to play a key role in the visual identity of Die Neue Sammlung.' –Mac Scott