In the organizer's words:

The exhibition "Schriftbilder - Iranisches Grafikdesign der Gegenwart", presented by Contemporary Middle East e.V., shows the change and development of type and typographic design in Iranian graphic design since the turn of the millennium. On display are posters, videos, book and magazine covers that document the creative development during this period. The works of over 35 graphic designers provide a diverse insight into contemporary graphic design in Iran. The selected exhibits focus primarily on art and cultural events of the last two decades and reflect stylistic, typographical and conceptual changes in Iranian designers' understanding of design.

A central design element in many of these works is calligraphy: an extremely traditional element that has developed a new visual language in contemporary graphic design. The international recognition that Iranian poster art has enjoyed since the early 2000s is particularly noteworthy. It is characterized by an innovative formal language, the search for cultural identity and a remarkable quality of design craftsmanship that has attracted worldwide attention.

It is not least against this background that the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich has a collection of Iranian posters that is unique in Europe. More than 60 of these posters can now be seen for the first time in Germany as part of our exhibition thanks to the museum's generous support

Duration and opening hours of the exhibition: December 13 - 21, 2025

Monday - Friday: 14:00 - 19:30
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 - 18:00

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Vernissage December 12, 18:00 - 21:00

With a performance by Homa Emami and the musician Susanne Riemer. Three Iranian graphic designers will be present.

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Typography workshops
December 13, 14:00 - 16:00 - (max. 10 people)
Graphic design skills required; please bring your own laptop.

Registration: info@conmidea.org
December 14, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Open workshop
(Suitable for everyone; participation possible at any time)

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Calligraphy workshop:
Dec. 19 & 20, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (max. 12 people)
With Dr. Shams Anwari; binding registration required; participation fee 60€
Registration: info@conmidea.org

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In collaboration with and supported by:
Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, Poster Collection, ZHdK, Stroer

Supported by: City of Cologne

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Kunsthafen Im Rhenania
Bayenstr. 28, 50678 Cologne