Contexts that Changed Graphic Design: De Stijl

Theo van Doesburg: Composition VII
(the three graces) done in 1917.

De Stijl (The Style) also known as neoplasticism, was a Dutch avant-garde movement based on a magazine having the same name. Such a movement was originated in1917 by the painter and designer Theo Van Doesburg. De Stijl can be recognised through characteristics involving the use of primary colours, horizontal and vertical lines, geometric forms (especially rectangular forms) and asymmetrical composition.

Primarily the typography in the magazine was quite common and Van Doesburg made it more adventurous with his experiment relating to the arrangement of poetry for example he emphasised on words, making them bold, larger and loosened (when it comes to the syntax). Unlike the Bauhaus, De Stijl designers used existing sans-serif typefaces rather than inventing their own geometrical type designs.

De Stijl at that time attracted architects, designers and artists. Among this number of artists were: Peit Modrian, Gerrit Rietveld, Bart Anthony van der Leck, Vilmos Huszar and Piet Zwart

Such a movement (including the magazine) ended with Theo Van Doesburg's death in 1931.

The first poster and manifesto for De Stijl indicated the rectilinear character of the movement's style. Vilmos Huszar combined his composition with type and Theo van Dousburg's logo to create a compact rectangle form in the center of the page. The logotype was made up of blocks, and the design suggested an abstract architectural space. It was done in 1917 by the two designers mentioned above.

Cover for De Stijl done in 1922 by Theo van Doesburg. Such typography shown in this cover in particular is asymmetrically well balanced in each four corners of an implied rectangle involving vertical and horizontal words. The headline which in this case is the word De Stijl is combined with the red letters N and B, which indicates Nieuwe Beelden meaning New Images.

This is a catalogue by W.H. Gispen, in 1930. In the later application of De Stijl ideas to more mainstream commercial and industrial design, new typography and photography were combined. As well as designing the modern light fittings produced by hi company Gispen took on the design of its publicity material.

Till this day De Stijl style still influence designers within their work. They include the same elements such as, primary colours; red, yellow and blue, complemented by white, grey and black. Dominated by horizontal and vertical lines.

Architecture: