American Bauhaus

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American Bauhaus explores the history of Black Mountain College, a creative sanctuary for World War II refugees in Europe from 1933 to 1957, allowing the Bauhaus movement to thrive in the U.S. This unique institution fostered freedom and creativity, becoming home to some of the 20th century's most significant artists. In 1992, Erik Schmitt, now Partner and Creative Director at studio1500, attended a reunion of Black Mountain College in San Francisco, invited due to his aunts and family friend Ruth Asawa's connections to the school. Schmitt meticulously documented the event, capturing quotes and photographs during a cocktail party at Asawa's home, which serve as the foundation for the book. Each quote is given its own page, presented in full along with the time it was spoken, while a fragment of the quote is showcased in large scale, extending across the page and onto the next spread. This design evokes the dynamic conversations of that day. The title, American Bauhaus, is inspired by a quote from Peter Oberlander, recalling Joseph Albers' remark that "Black Mountain is a minimal version of the Bauhaus – Go there."