Max Bill (1908 -1994)

Biographical Sketch

Max Bill, architect, sculptor, painter, graphic artist and one of the principal representatives of Concrete Art, was born on December 22, 1908 in Winterthur, Switzerland, his family from Moosseedorf in the Canton of Bern. Studied at the Arts and Crafts Academy in Zurich (1924-27), followed by an apprenticeship as silversmith (1927-29) and studies at the Bauhaus, the Dessau school of arts and crafts. Moved to Zurich - 1929. He was active as architect, painter, graphic artist and sculptor from 1932 onwards, in public relations from 1936 on, and as product designer as of 1944. Also taught and gave presentations. Co-founder and director of the Ulm school of arts and crafts (1931-56). He worked on architecture and product form. From 1961-1964, he was the head architect of the Building and Design Sectors for the Swiss National Exhibit in Lausanne '64. He became professor at the State School for Fine Arts in Hamburg in 1967 and received awards, honors and an honorary degree. In 1968, received the Zurich Art Award and has been exhibiting in galleries and exhibition halls since 1928. His Constructivist sculptures for public squares as well as his paintings have become popular in America, Europe and Asia. He began writing monographs, catalogues and his own writings in the 50's. His printwork played an important role as well (created 14 book folio works).

Max Bill died at the age of 86 years on December 9, 1994 during a visit to Berlin. His estate is in the hands of his Community of Heirs. ek

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References:

Reihe Künstler unserer Zeit Band XVI. Margrit Staber: Max Bill. Erker Verlag St. Gallen 1971;

Eduard Hüttinger, Chr. Vitali: Max Bill. Abc Verlag Zurich 1987;

Max Bill. Catalogue, Pinacoteca Casa Rusca Locarno 1992;

Angela and Thomas Bill: Max Bill. Die Grafischen Reihen. Verlag Gerd Hatje 1995;

Max Bill's writings, among others:

Die mathematische Denkweise in der Kunst unserer Zeit. Werk 1949 Winterthur;

Kunst als unveränderte Tatsache 1968;

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Note:

The references given are not meant as a list of the best works available on the subject, but simply reflect the author's sources.

Registers and catalogues of works are included when known and correspond to the information given in the index.