Announcement, The First Bauhaus Exhibition in Weimar - Oskar Schlemmer

A seminal 1923 Bauhaus exhibition poster by Oskar Schlemmer, featuring geometric abstraction and minimalist typography.

This lithograph by Oskar Schlemmer serves as the official announcement for the first Bauhaus exhibition held in Weimar during the summer of 1923. Schlemmer, a painter, sculptor, and choreographer, was a central figure at the Bauhaus school, where he directed the theatre workshop. His work often explored the relationship between the human figure and space, frequently reducing the body to geometric forms. The design reflects the aesthetic principles of the Bauhaus, which prioritised functionalism, clarity, and the integration of art with industrial production. The composition is constructed from a limited set of geometric elements: a circle, a square, and a profile of a human head. These shapes are arranged with precision, creating a balance between the organic curve of the profile and the rigid geometry of the surrounding forms. The typography is integrated into the circular motif, demonstrating the school's interest in unifying graphic design with architectural and artistic concepts. Schlemmer uses a restrained palette of black and red against a neutral background. This choice of colour is characteristic of the period, often associated with the Constructivist influences that permeated the school. The profile, rendered in a single, continuous red line, interacts with the solid black forms, suggesting a dialogue between the human element and the machine-like environment of modern life. The work captures the spirit of the 1923 exhibition, which marked a shift in the school's focus towards the synthesis of art and technology. By stripping away unnecessary ornamentation, Schlemmer creates a visual language that is both immediate and precise. This print is a primary document of early twentieth-century design, reflecting the intellectual rigour and experimental nature of the Bauhaus movement.