Pattern Pulp

Book Review: Black Antoinette




Olaf Hajek is currently one of the world’s most successful and well-known illustrators. His work can be seen in newspapers including the Washington Post and the New York Times, in magazines such as Rolling Stone and Time, in advertisements for international brands, and on stamps for Great Britain’s Royal Mail.

Despite the diversity of his clientele, Hajek makes no aesthetic compromises. His characteristic style, which is infused with a folkloristic naivety and freshness, is what makes his work appealing to a broad audience and range of customers. Now his personal work is garnering increasing attention on the international art market.

Black Antoinette is a beautiful and striking collection of Olaf Hajek’s most recent work. Consisting mostly of editorial contracts and commercial portraits, the examples in this book showcase a remarkable style that has become more free and painterly over the last several years. The preface was written by Dr. Philipp Demandt, the head of Berlin’s Old National Gallery.

 

Book Review: Naive




Classic Modernism has been a huge influence on young designers in the past few years. By reinventing graphic elements from the 40’s-60’s, such as silkscreen printing, hand lettering, woodcutting and folk art, and integrating them into modern works, the artists of today are recreating a discernible renaissance in graphic design. Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design beautifully documents the work of these bourgeoning designers who have been inspired by legends such as Saul Bass, Charley Harper and Alexander Girard. The vivid examples range from illustration, poster art, editorial, book cover design, album art, stationery and textiles.

Image credit: Goodgrain

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