The exhibition “Written Images – Contemporary Iranian Graphic Design”, presented by Contemporary Middle East e.V., showcases the transformation and development of lettering and typographic design in Iranian graphic design since the turn of the millennium. On display are posters, videos, as well as book and magazine covers that document the visual evolution of this period. The works of more than 35 graphic designers offer a diverse insight into contemporary graphic design in Iran. The selected exhibits focus primarily on art and cultural events of the past two decades and reflect stylistic, typographic, and conceptual changes in the design approaches of Iranian creators.

Calligraphy is a central design element in many of these works: a highly traditional form that has developed a new visual language within contemporary graphic design. Particularly noteworthy is the international recognition that Iranian poster art has enjoyed since the early 2000s. It is distinguished by its innovative visual language, its search for cultural identity, and a remarkable quality of craftsmanship that has gained worldwide attention.

For this very reason, the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich holds a collection of Iranian posters that is unique in Europe. Thanks to the generous support of the museum, more than 60 of these posters are now being shown in Germany for the first time as part of our exhibition.

In collaboration with and supported by: Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, Plakatsammlung, ZHdK

Text and images: Conmidea