Playback IPT!: Music
This year marks the return of our museum's triennial event, the International Poster Triennial in Toyama: IPT, where we collect and showcase poster artworks from around the globe. The first phase of the 2024 Design Collection will display a selection of music-related artworks from the 13 past editions of the IPT, spanning from 1985 to 2021.
As digital devices become more prevalent, the visibility of printed posters has diminished. Since its inception in 1985, the IPT has been a witness to this transformation. The archive of winning entries reveals a diverse use of posters: from raising social awareness and advertising retail stores and products, to promoting plays, concerts, exhibitions, as well as new films and music.
In music-related posters, the challenge lies in visually conveying the impression and allure of 'sound', which is invisible. Whether it is invigorating dance or pop music, solemn classical tunes, or ballads that evoke serenity and loneliness, posters creatively employ graphic elements such as colors, lines, shapes, and photographs. Additionally, they maximize the impact of printing techniques that involve the paper’s size, texture, and finish to express these themes.
The exhibition presents a variety of music-related posters, including those announcing new songs, concerts, and visually representing the music and composers themselves. As you view the collection, consider how the designers and printers have employed their creativity and expressive abilities to visually articulate what musicians have crafted. Imagine the music each poster is portraying.