History of Design: Herbert Matter Screening

He was an influential artist, designer, photographer and filmmaker.
His use of photography transformed the profession.
He wasn’t just an artist or a witness at the sidelines of the exciting birth of the mid-century modern design and art, he was instrumental in shaping it while collaborating with icons such as Charles and Ray Eames.
Was an influence to Jackson Pollock.
Born in 1907, Engelberg, and was born in a place of stark contrast, a large white canvas.
At the age of 17, Herbert gets a chance to live out the unachievable dream of his artistically inclined father and is sent to Geneva.
Attends the prestige Ecole des Beaux-art for four semesters.
1927, he goes to Paris.
Adolphe Cassandre greatly influences Matter.
Experimenting with a photo camera, matter discovers a new tool for expressing his artistic vision.
New visual form culminates in what is called photomontage or photographic, a masterful combination of various photographic elements that end the reign of pure illustration.
Company Fretz embraced Matters expressionistic ways.
Trudi Hess was used by Matters in his work quite often.
1931-1934, before color photography exists, Herbert creates a series of groundbreaking brochures and posters for the Swiss tourism office in the style of photographic.
Goes to New York where he was hired at late notice as a photographer for a dance tour.
1936, discovering his new home of New York through his camera.
Bazaar.
Began working for Plus.
1939, Worlds Faire, held in New York, Herbert creates the Switzerland Pavilion.
Mercedes Carles becomes his muse, and in 1941, they marry.
Seek safe haven in 1943 with the chaos of the war making life difficult for the family.
Was invited by Charles Eames to work on a furniture design, post war furniture, in California.
He also worked for Arts and Architecture magazine.
Herbert left the Eames office along with others after the Eames Exhibit because they didn’t receive any credit.
Becomes very successful in post-war America and in great demand.
After the Matters moved back to New York, their friendship intensifies with Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock.
Directed film on friend Alexander Calder, whose work he loved.
In the mid 60’s, the ascent of a new social and cultural language permeates not only graphic design, photography, and advertising but also the art world.
For all Herbert Matters accomplishments and the trailblazing in his work, there was also a price. His dedication to his profession has left him little time for much else. Anything beyond the passion of his work would have to take the backseat.
Died April 19, 1984 in South Hampton, New York.