Armin Hofmann
06.04.10
Categories: Book Love
by Tony Brook / 6 comments
Few of us have sacrificed so much time, money and comfort for the sake of their profession, as Armin Hofmann. He is one of the few exceptions to Shaw’s dictum ‘He who can does; he who cannot, teaches.’
Armin Hofmann – His Work, Quest and Philosophy
For more than forty years, Armin Hofmann has devoted his life to teaching the unteachable – art/design. The works of his students are models of excellence, and the envy of others, both students and teachers.
His goals, though pragmatic, are never pecuniary. His influence has been as strong beyond the classroom as within it. Even those who are his critics are as eager about his ideas as those who sit at his feet.
‘As a human being, he has few equals. As a practitioner, he ranks amongst the best.’
This eulogy was written by Paul Rand for the seminal book: Armin Hofmann – His Work, Quest and Philosophy, or more economically in German – Werk Erkundung Lehre. It is a beautifully elegant and heartfelt paean of praise from one great designer to another. As was often the case with Rand’s work, it says all that needs to be said.
So if you want to develop an inferiority complex, then this is the book for you. Armin Hoffman’s work comes across as a powerful force of nature and is, to my eyes, timeless. I probably look (and wonder) at this book more than any other I own. I understand very well that I’m scrutinizing his work (unavoidably) out of its original context and at a fairly superficial level – sadly, I haven’t spent time in his company, I didn’t study under him or hear him lecture – still the effect his work has on me is always one of awe.
Armin Hofmann cannot be dismissed as ‘one of those Swiss guys.’ He is a true visionary and possesses more than a touch of genius.
By the way, the great man is 90 this year, happy birthday Mr. Hofmann.
Comments
04.06.10
The book looks fantastic. I was Hofmans student at AGS for two years 68- 69 and 70- 71 and he has had a lasting influence on my working method.
15.04.10
This books looks superb, I didn't know it. Think I'm gonna check Bookfinder right now... Thanks!
08.04.10
A true genius. Lovely book.
06.04.10
I can't believe that Armin Hoffman is still alive. I believe the people who have benefited from his teachings have nothing but admiration for (and I am red hot jealous of them, as I would have loved to experience it). I have both of Hoffman's books, the one featured here and Graphic Design Manual, Principles and Practice. The later is my favourite book to reference when beginning to create any piece of formulate concrete design. The richness in exploration, visual metaphor and assimilation of applied design is fantastic. Its timeless, one of those books that you feel once you have viewed, the answers were always found in pushing your own work, as though Hoffman was there sitting besides asking visual questions. I find the posters shown above though not represented in colour still look breath taking especially the Wilhelm Tell Plakat shown above in the 3rd spread
06.04.10
Lovely post. Mr Hofmann’s 'Giselle' poster is one of our all-time faves.
21.06.10
Benoît / 18:36pm
One book for sale : http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330444755933&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1154