International Violin Competition

This is the program cover from the Eighth Quadrennial International Violin Competition in Indianapolis (past winners include Joshua Bell and Stefan Milenkovich). My family and I were privileged enough to see two of the semi-finalists perform. The purpose of the program is to introduce the jury, collaborative pianists, and the competitors. The selection of program art is a competitive process. Artists from around the world are asked to submit works which represent the spirit of the event. Michael Graves was the winning designer for 2010. The cover art is in a modified cubist style. I was instantly attracted to the piece because it reminds me of Picasso’s “Three Musicians.” I like the earth tones and the contrast of the cubist angular lines with the curves of the f-hole of the violin, the soft graininess of the wood, and the strength of the black and white piano keys. While the artwork is very modern, the typeset is a classic serif typeface like Garamond, all uppercase lettering. The most important words (International Violin Competition of Indianapolis) are emphasized through the use of a dark blue color. The others are in a muted green. The layout of the title draws the eye from upper left to lower right while font size emphasizes 8th, Indianapolis (promoting the city), and 2010. Because of the simplicity of the title block, the artwork takes the top billing here which I think is appropriate.