Vuitton's Arty Ads Hit the Road
The first major US exhibition of one of the greatest living poster artists, Razzia is now here in New York!
Synonymous with the retro-deco style of the 1980s, and creator of arguably the most important advertising campaign for Louis Vuitton, Razzia's posters has never lacked punch and pizzazz.
Part of an increasingly lost art, Razzia has conceived his posters from an original painting rather than utilizing computer graphics, resulting in unique and distinguished works of art that revolve around the pure power of the image. Always bold and instantly recognizable, his work has stood out as some of the finest in contemporary graphic design.
The art gallery retrospective will cover the entire arch of his career, beginning with the posters he created for the European rock scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Having been commissioned by the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Roxy Music, and Pink Floyd, his music posters were at the very heart of this era in popular culture.
Of particular interest in this show are two posters made for the famous French music venue, The Palace: the first, advertising Screamin' Jay Hawkins' 'I Put A Spell On You' Tour; the second, for Rainer Fassbinder's wife, the great expressionist singer Ingrid Caven.
Also highlighted are Razzia's many posters for the icons of Parisian life and style: his famous images for Paris Fashion Week, 'Pret a Porter Feminin' and 'Haute Couture;' as well as those advertising such well-known French establishments that their names instantly invoke the romance of Paris: 'Café de Flore,' 'Bistro du Nord,' and 'La Coupole.'
Dominating the exhibition are the many works Razzia created for Louis Vuitton, in which the artist gives his spin on the "Art of Traveling with Style."
The first major US retrospective of the artist is being shown at the International Poster Center at 601 W. 26th St. (btwn. 11th and 12th), 13th Floor. New York City. It runs from January 15 to February 1. Mon-Fri, 9-5; Sat/Sun, 11-6.
Put on your hats and gloves and get out to see it. Don't let it pass you by!
