Redesign of the national and international editions of contemporary art magazine, Flash Art.

Prototype, 28.5×22.5 cm
80 pages
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

Draft graphics of the new logo, designed in order to make
the two words as one.
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
the two words as one.
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
A contemporary look
Founded in Rome by Giancarlo Politi in 1967, Flash Art is one of the best known contemporary art magazines in the world.
In 2017, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the magazine, it was developed a redesign project with the purpose of renovating the magazine’s image through a more dynamic and consistent graphic design.
Founded in Rome by Giancarlo Politi in 1967, Flash Art is one of the best known contemporary art magazines in the world.
In 2017, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the magazine, it was developed a redesign project with the purpose of renovating the magazine’s image through a more dynamic and consistent graphic design.

Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari

The typographic grid with multiple textures that has been designed
for the magazine.
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
for the magazine.
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
The design process
The redesign project was related to both Italian and international editions, and included both the graphic design of the magazine and the rethinking of the editorial structure of some contents.
The project was approached in a methodical way, starting from the structure of the layout and, only later, taking into consideration the appearance of typographic and iconographic contents.
The redesign project was related to both Italian and international editions, and included both the graphic design of the magazine and the rethinking of the editorial structure of some contents.
The project was approached in a methodical way, starting from the structure of the layout and, only later, taking into consideration the appearance of typographic and iconographic contents.

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
The structural grid
Considering the quantity and variety of the contents, before proceeding to the layout of the graphics, 16 different typographic grids were designed in order to find the one that offered the wider and more balanced range of solutions.
The importance of doing such a thorough work was to achieve both consistency and flexibility, in order to stimulate the interest of readers page after page and issue after issue.
Considering the quantity and variety of the contents, before proceeding to the layout of the graphics, 16 different typographic grids were designed in order to find the one that offered the wider and more balanced range of solutions.
The importance of doing such a thorough work was to achieve both consistency and flexibility, in order to stimulate the interest of readers page after page and issue after issue.

Detail of the page dedicated to the openings of art galleries
Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari
Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari

Detail of the double-page dedicated to the exhibitions of museums.
Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari
Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari
Depth and dynamism
The draft copy that have been produced is characterised by the dynamic composition of the pages, that seem to be animated by overlapping texts and images.
This solution suggests the presence of multiple visual levels, each one characterised by its own rhythm and movement.
In this way, text blocks and images seem to slowly slide on the pages, evoking a perception of typography which is closer to that of the screen than that of paper.
The draft copy that have been produced is characterised by the dynamic composition of the pages, that seem to be animated by overlapping texts and images.
This solution suggests the presence of multiple visual levels, each one characterised by its own rhythm and movement.
In this way, text blocks and images seem to slowly slide on the pages, evoking a perception of typography which is closer to that of the screen than that of paper.

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
The covers
Covers have been entirely redesigned by carefully calibrating each detail and keeping only the essential elements in order to enhance images.
Standard covers are characterised by the image framed within a square — the iconic solution that is typical to Flash Art and that here becomes an exact square —, while special covers feature a full-page image with stronger visual impact.
Covers have been entirely redesigned by carefully calibrating each detail and keeping only the essential elements in order to enhance images.
Standard covers are characterised by the image framed within a square — the iconic solution that is typical to Flash Art and that here becomes an exact square —, while special covers feature a full-page image with stronger visual impact.

Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari

Ph. © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari

2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
Typography
Even if it was only a draft proposal, also the masthead was redesigned by changing letterforms and eliminating the space between the two words in order to reinforce the perception of the name as one element.
Serif typefaces have been kept inside the magazine but dropped from the cover in order to communicate a new and more contemporary image.
Even if it was only a draft proposal, also the masthead was redesigned by changing letterforms and eliminating the space between the two words in order to reinforce the perception of the name as one element.
Serif typefaces have been kept inside the magazine but dropped from the cover in order to communicate a new and more contemporary image.

Prototype of a cover for a special issue featuring a full-page image.
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
2017 © Nicola-Matteo Munari
An experimental project
Through the new layout and complete reviewing of typography, the redesign project offers a wide overview of graphic variations, iconographical solutions, and typographical alternatives.
By dropping the static appearance that characterised it before, the magazine found a new identity orientated towards dynamism and experimentation, conceived as a key interpretation of contemporary art.
The project was developed as part of a preliminary consultation and, unfortunately, was not implemented by the magazine.
Client
Giancarlo Politi Editore, Milan
Supervisor
Michele D’Aurizio
Design
Nicola-Matteo Munari
Assistant
Greta Bussandri
Year
2017
Through the new layout and complete reviewing of typography, the redesign project offers a wide overview of graphic variations, iconographical solutions, and typographical alternatives.
By dropping the static appearance that characterised it before, the magazine found a new identity orientated towards dynamism and experimentation, conceived as a key interpretation of contemporary art.
The project was developed as part of a preliminary consultation and, unfortunately, was not implemented by the magazine.
Giancarlo Politi Editore, Milan
Michele D’Aurizio
Nicola-Matteo Munari
Greta Bussandri
2017