Modernism in the Modern World
According to Julia Brucker, Hungarian artist and photographer László Moholy-Nagy “believed that humanity could only defeat the fracturing experience of modernity—only feel whole again—if it harnessed the potential of new technologies.”
Moholy-Nagy was also a professor in the Bauhaus school. The Bauhaus combined arts and crafts and became well-known for the modernist design theory it taught. His strong beliefs in the integration of technology and the arts marked a turning point in the school’s direction.
Here at Riot9, we also advocate the synergy of art, specifically design, with the ever-evolving world of technology, through both the means of creation and the medium of the interface. It seemed appropriate then, to take a cue from Moholy-Nagy’s paintings when designing the Riot9 website.
Combining painterly textures and overlapping geometric elements, as well as employing a neutral color scheme with accents of more saturated hues, this digital translation of fine art was an exciting design challenge.
Ties to Chicago
Aside from his philosophy regarding art and technology, Moholy-Nagy also has connections to the windy city. He moved to Chicago in 1937, where he served as the director of the New Bauhaus, and later the co-founder of Chicago’s Institute of Design. His home at 2622 North Lakeview Avenue is less than two miles from the Riot9 office in Lincoln Park.
Check out our website at www.riot9.com. Long live László!
Written by Caitlin Douglas, designer at Riot9
