Posters: The Original Social Media?
– Glimpses From Around the World 1905 – 1999

Curated by Mary V. Mullin and Hannah Byles

This Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) sponsored exhibition shows posters from the eclectic collection acquired in the course of Sir Misha Black Awards Chairman and AUB Honorary Fellow Mary Mullin’s long and distinguished career in design and visual arts.

They contrast a wide variety of styles from countries as far apart as Japan and Ireland, Uruguay and Sweden and date from 1905 to 1999.

With no intention of gathering a formal ‘collection’, Mullin instead describes her assortment as a series of works gathered by ‘happy serendipity’. The posters were presented, gifted, inherited, donated and acquired. As a result, there is no particular theme or subject matter, no geographic grouping or medium emphasis. They come in many styles formats and languages.

The striking variety of posters reflects many aspects of social, political and cultural change throughout the twentieth century. Some were for public display –cinemas, theatre, opera, ballet, exhibitions, festivals, events. Others were created for competitions or peer approval. They showcase many different graphic and print styles. Cultural nuances are captured in the interpretation of universal themes. The exhibition informs, inspires and provokes the viewer and reminds that, as social media today imitates, posters essence succinct storytelling and the art of communication in its most immediate and universal form.

Collection owner Mary Mullin and exhibition curator Hannah Byles (Arts University Bournemouth) will join us to give an informal gallery talk at a special preview after the conference.