Emil Nolde – Colour is Life

In early 2018 a major exhibition of the work of Danish-German Expressionist Emil Nolde opened in the National Gallery of Ireland, marking over 50 years since a collection of his work was last displayed here.

Tasked with introducing this compelling, somewhat unknown artist to the Irish public, we worked closely with the Curators, including the Gallery Director, to understand Nolde’s revolutionary practice and controversial personal life. With interest in the challenges of his professional life during a period of social and political turmoil, our research included a survey of the graphic landscape of Germany in the early 20th century.

Nolde’s association with the Die Brücke movement provided inspiration for the title graphic, utilising a typeface derived from a printed exhibition invitation dating from 1906. Much of the groups work was influenced by primitivism and resonates strongly with Nolde’s uninhibited, ritualistic scenes, primal colour and use of medieval woodblock printing techniques.

The distinctive title graphic and design system allowed us to introduce a wide range of his work and some of the broader themes of the exhibition in communications, while maintaining a robust, consistent approach throughout signage & promotion, exhibition materials, public marketing, education & outreach and a digital marketing campaign.