Maximalism: The Graphic Design of Decadence & Excess

by Charlotte Rivers

This sumptuously extravagant book examines design that appeals to the senses through luxury, profusion, and excess?maximalism. After a decade in which minimalism has held sway over the design industry, many designers are now rejecting the limitations of pared-down modernism in favor of a more rich and vibrant ?maximal? aesthetic. This book celebrates the qualities of maximalism, or ?enriched modernism??its role in creating fantasy, a sense of luxury, the multi-sensory appeal?and teaches designers how to apply it by bringing together a selection of projects from around the world that typify maximalism in graphic design?whether through use of materials, print processes, layout and composition, or sheer extravagance of purpose. The book is not just about expensive projects for luxury brands (although of course these feature): it is about examples of print that appeal to any one of the senses in a powerful and unusual way. These include packaging, magazines, brochures, books, identity jobs, and other forms of print work.

Genres: Design, Art

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[R.Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally bought this book after scoring a 40% off coupon at Borders. I'd seen it before, several times, but just wasn't enamored with it--especially at its $45 asking price. But for $28...

My biggest problem with it is that it's a wonderful concept that just doesn't quite live up to itself.

There are SO many better examples of lush, decorative, design out there; and yet Rivers has selected a surprisingly limited range of it. More disappointing is the redundant "old boys' club" of familiar names making multiple appearances. That, to me, is inexcusable when clearly this book had limitations.

And formally, wouldn't you expect a more experimental approach in the cover and overall design of a book celebrating the excess of decadence? Something a bit more than a mere gold foil stamping? Maybe it's just me...

There are some very good pieces represented, don't get me wrong. I just had much higher hopes given the theme of this book. Hopefully, RotoVision will reexamine it some day and update it with more conviction.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am not a fan of the maximalist style I do find this book to be very interesting. I feel like it has given me a small glimpse at the thought process of these creative individuals.