The exhibition “Type, Litho, Skull” at the Casa Republicana of the Luis Ángel Arango Library offers a journey through the evolution of graphic design in Colombia throughout the 20th century. This exhibition brings together iconic pieces that reflect the transformation of design in the country, from typography to graphic propaganda.
A Journey Through Colombian Design
The exhibition showcases the development of graphic design in Colombia, from its origins in printing presses to the consolidation of graphic movements in the 20th century. It includes posters, propaganda, and graphic materials that highlight how design has shaped the country’s visual culture.
Typography and Lithography: The Early Stages
The exhibition highlights typography and lithography as fundamental techniques in the production of graphic pieces. These methods were crucial for producing newspapers, posters, and books during the first half of the 20th century.
The Rise of Graphic Propaganda
A key part of the exhibition focuses on graphic propaganda, which played an important role during Colombia’s political and social periods. Posters and visual campaigns demonstrate how graphic design was used to influence public opinion and promote social and political movements.
Design and Popular Culture
Graphic design has also had a strong impact on popular culture, as seen in the inclusion of works featuring the skull—an iconic symbol widely used in Latin American visual identity. This element reflects how design connects with cultural roots and collective imagery.
Conclusion
Type, Litho, Skull is a journey through the history of graphic design in Colombia—from its earliest printed forms to its role in propaganda and popular culture—showing how design has always been a reflection of social and cultural change.
