This exhibition explores the origins and international impact of Isotype, a visual language developed in Vienna for democratizing knowledge and communication. It traces its evolution from the "Red Vienna" era through its global use and contemporary relevance in knowledge transfer, graphic design, and art.
In 1925, Vienna became a hub for revolutionizing the communication of science, society, and politics. The founding of the Society and Economy Museum by Otto Neurath aimed to democratize knowledge and pioneer new methods of visual communication. This led to the development of "Isotype" (International System of Typographic Picture Education) in the 1930s, a pictographic system that became a globally recognized visual language. The core team included graphic designer Marie Reidemeister and artist Gerd Arntz.
The exhibition traces the trajectory of Isotype from its origins in "Red Vienna," through its international adoption, to its ongoing significance in knowledge dissemination, graphic design, and art. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive catalog featuring over 40 international contributors. Isotype's political and democratic ideals, its memorable, essentialist symbols, and its aim to create an international visual language continue to inspire contemporary artists. The connection between visual communication, art, and politics is increasingly explored in exhibitions worldwide, focusing on the design and impact of symbols, and encouraging a critical engagement with modern information design and new media.