Colorado State University’s international poster exhibition announces winners

Note to Reporters: Images of the posters are available at http://col.st/du7T7.

The 19th biennial Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition, a collection from the world’s top poster artists and designers hosted by Colorado State University’s Department of Art and Art History, has announced its winners.

Now in its 36th year, the biennial event is the only exhibition of its kind in North America. The main exhibition opened with a public reception and poster sale on Sept. 18 and runs through Oct. 28 in the Clara Hatton Gallery in the Visual Arts Building and the Curfman Gallery in the Lory Student Center.

Exhibition winners were Radovan Jenko of Slovenia for “Le Petit Festival Du Theatre,” Peter Bankov of Russia for “Biennale Golden Bee” and Erich Brechbühl of Switzerland for “Salzhaus.” The winners were announced during the opening reception by the 19th CIIPE exhibition judge, Alejandro Magallanes of Mexico City, who gave a lecture on Sept. 16.

World-class art

Featuring works from more than 70 poster artists and designers from six continents, leading international graphic designers and many emerging artists, the 19th Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition – or CIIPE – showcases examples of global visual communication to an American audience, promoting international understanding and dialogue through outstanding design. The unique exhibition provides CSU students and the community firsthand exposure to a diverse presentation of prevailing social, cultural and commercial perspectives.

Each biennial year, the exhibition features an exhibition judge and honor laureate; these positions spotlight artists with lifetime records of excelling in the poster medium.

Magallanes’ work has been shown extensively internationally, and he has dedicated his work to politics and fun. He has written six children’s books varying from poetry to cartoons, and has designed and illustrated many posters and books. Magallanes believes that the image becomes most valuable – worth 1,000 words – when it evokes emotions, making it unforgettable. His work will be highlighted at the Curfman Gallery in the LSC through Oct. 28.

The 19th CIIPE exhibition honor laureate is Rene Azcuy of Mexico, formerly of Cuba. Azcuy’s work has been at the top levels of international achievement for more than 50 years. He is particularly known for his inventive imagery in posters of Cuban and Latin-American cinema and theatre. CIIPE directors hosted Azcuy for the opening reception ribbon-cutting.

Poster collection

A valuable extension of the biennial exhibition is the International Poster Collection, which holds past and present CIIPE poster entries. The collection, created through the collaboration between CSU Libraries and the Department of Art and Art History, is part of Morgan Library’s Archives and Special Collections. The online display features a searchable database of posters from the 7th show (1991) to the present, and an artist database of biographical information.

“Visitors to the 19th show will recognize the CIIPE signature commitment to gather the best efforts of the highest level of poster artists in the world,” said exhibition organizer John Gravdahl, professor of graphic design at CSU. “It is an ever-changing cross-section of diverse artistic achievement and cultural perspectives. Each poster is unique. Each show is unique.”

The Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition was founded in 1979 at Colorado State by Phil Risbeck, professor in the Department of Art and Art History; Bob Coonts, CSU retired affiliate faculty; and John Sorbie, former art professor at CSU, now deceased.

The 19th exhibition was made possible in part through a grant from the Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Fund, which was established to enhance the cultural development and atmosphere of Colorado State. Additional sponsors include the University Art Museum and the FUNd Endowment at Colorado State University.

All events and exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Exhibition Schedule

Judge’s Exhibition: Alejandro Magallanes
Sept. 16-Oct. 28
Curfman Gallery, Lory Student Center, General hours: M-Sat., 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Main Exhibition
Sept. 18 – Oct. 28
Clara Hatton Gallery, Visual Arts Building, General hours: M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Curfman Gallery, Lory Student Center, General hours: M-Sat., 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Poster Sale
Began Sept. 18, continues throughout the exhibition.
Clara Hatton Gallery, Visual Arts Building, General hours: M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Curfman Gallery, Lory Student Center, General hours: M-Sat., 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Honor Laureate Exhibition: Rene Azcuy
Sept. 18 – Oct. 28
Directions Gallery, Visual Arts Building, General hours: M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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