Now in its twenty-sixth edition, the International Biennial of Graphic Design Brno has broken with tradition to focus on education and support student talent moving up the ranks.
The International Biennial of Graphic Design Brno was first held in the Czech city (then Czechoslovakia) in 1963. Its existence at that time was something of great importance: it was an opportunity for the country’s artists and creatives to assert their right to free artistic expression, as well as measure their work against international talent. In the five decades since, the Biennial has developed somewhat of a reputation for reinvention. Its last — held in 2012 — involved a new organisational team and saw the festival adopt a more curated approach to the constellation of exhibitions that make up the festival. This year, in another big departure, the International Exhibition will bypass professional designers to instead show off the brightest new talent from the student world.
Brno Biennial Gran Prix 2012 winners Mevis & van Deursen will also pay lip service to this year’s theme by creating an installation dedicated to the work of educators in the design industry. A separate show will also celebrate the the achievements of Rostislav Vaněk, the designer, typographer and teacher responsible for Prague’s metro signage.
Speakers at the Biennial’s International symposium (20-22 June) include Åbäke, Fraser Muggeridge, Koenraad Dedobbeleer and Kurt Finsten. OFF Program events surrounding the main exhibition will include workshops, talks, and smaller shows, including a discussion about the relationship between design and contemporary art, a workshop for art teachers interested in new methods of teaching, and a poster exhibition inspired by the Lars von Trier documentary The Five Obstructions.
bienalebrno.org
