Kévin Germanier Designs Vibrant Poster for 60th Montreux Jazz Festival

The 60th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival, commencing today, is marked by a visually arresting poster designed by Swiss fashion designer Kévin Germanier. This year’s artwork continues a long-standing tradition of commissioning notable artists to capture the spirit of the iconic music event, which is set against the backdrop of Lake Geneva.

Germanier’s design is a testament to tactile artistry, crafted from over 60,000 glass, wood, and plastic beads and sequins meticulously embroidered onto a velvet canvas. The creation of this vivid, densely layered piece involved the skilled hands of six artisans, drawing inspiration from the festival’s history of abstract and non-literal poster art.

Por que importa

“My favourite Montreux posters are those that represent the Festival in a non-literal way,” Germanier stated. “Music isn’t just a saxophone or a guitar – it’s a feeling. I tried to convey that explosion, that emotion that moves both your body and your heart. I wanted something generous, dynamic and vibrant.”

A Legacy of Iconic Posters

The Montreux Jazz Festival has a distinguished history of collaborating with prominent figures in the art and design world for its annual posters. Over its six decades, the festival has featured artwork from artists such as Keith Haring, who also collaborated with Andy Warhol on a poster, David Bowie, Jean Tinguely, Milton Glaser, Tomi Ungerer, Sylvie Fleury, and Julian Opie. These commissioned works have not only promoted the festival but have also become significant pieces of graphic design history, each reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of its era.

The festival, founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs and currently directed by Mathieu Jaton since 2013, has consistently positioned itself at the intersection of jazz and contemporary music. It has hosted performances from a vast array of legendary musicians, including Etta James, Quincy Jones, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Ms. Lauren Hill, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, James Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Leonard Cohen, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, and Nina Simone.

Accompanying the festival’s visual celebration is “The Elegance of Time,” a new photography monograph by Swiss-Iranian photographer Anoush Abrar. The book captures key participants from over the years, offering a photographic complement to the festival’s artistic expressions.

This year’s festival program boasts a diverse lineup, featuring artists such as PinkPantheress, Loyle Carner, Billy Cobham, Van Morrison, The Roots, Raye, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. These performances are part of a comprehensive schedule of 700 concerts, DJ sets, and events spread across the fortnight. The festival is taking place at the Montreux Music & Convention Centre, which recently reopened following an extensive multi-year renovation.

Key facts

The Montreux Jazz Festival’s commitment to integrating high-caliber visual art with its musical programming underscores its holistic approach to cultural celebration. Kévin Germanier’s intricate and vibrant poster not only serves as a promotional piece but also as a significant artwork in its own right, continuing the festival’s legacy of exceptional design. For attendees and design enthusiasts alike, the poster offers a compelling visual narrative that complements the rich musical tapestry of the event.

Source: Wallpaper – Kévin Germanier’s colourful poster heralds the 60th Edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival – https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/corporate-design-branding/montreauz-jazz-festival-in-posters