Fracture: Japanese Graphic Design 1875–1975 | Ian Lynam

Fracture: A History of Japanese Graphic Design 1875–1975

This book is a deep and fascinating exploration of the history of Japanese graphic design, rich in illustrations, dynamic in format, and easy to read. Designer, teacher, critic, and historian Ian Lynam traces the evolution of Japanese graphic art from its origins to the pre-digital era.

Fracture reveals the vast cultural changes that have taken place in Japan since its opening to the West, exploring themes such as modernity, imperialism, gender, commercialization, sexuality, and aesthetics.

Book reviews
📖 "This book not only introduces Japanese graphic design, but also becomes an important source of inspiration, revealing to readers true masterpieces of visual art."
— W. David Marx, author of Ametora and Status and Culture

📖 "Lyneham has done a tremendous job, for the first time gathering in one publication the historical context of almost a hundred designers and tracing the influences that shaped Japanese graphic design. His text is clear, insightful, and extremely valuable for a Western audience."
— Lorraine Wild, AIGA Medal winner, author of Edward Fella: Letters on America

📖 "This book bridges the gap between global and Japanese design history, helping to de-exoticize Japanese graphic culture and better understand its development and influence."
— Lars Harmsen, founder and editor of Slanted

📖 "Japanese design has often been perceived in the West intuitively, but without deep analysis. Fracture reveals its history through captivating visual examples that inspire and help better appreciate its aesthetic and cultural significance."
—Louise Sandhaus, AIGA Medal winner, author of Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots

📖 "This is a fundamental study of words and images in Japan, highlighting the origins of Japanese graphic culture. The publication covers typography, illustration, art, book design, advertising, and other aspects of visual communication that are deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Japanese."
— Madoka Nishi, editor-in-chief of Idea magazine

📖 "Lynem opens up a new space for understanding Japanese design, freeing it from mythologizing and offering an alternative view of its development in both the East and the West."
— Kiyonori Muroga, author of Helmut Schmid Typography and Graphic Waves

📖 "Japanese graphic design has long been fascinating and at the same time inaccessible to understanding. Linem helps to see the historical, social and aesthetic contexts behind its evolution. Fracture is a carefully curated collection that deserves a place in every designer's library."
— Mr. Keedy, designer, writer, CalArts instructor

📖 "With its broad subject matter, rich illustrations, and socio-historical approach, Fracture will be an indispensable guide for English-speaking readers seeking to understand the history of Japanese graphic design."
— Taro Nettleton, author, critic, lecturer at Temple University Japan

This book is a unique contribution to the understanding of Japanese design and its place in the global context, offering readers a new perspective on the evolution of Japan's visual culture.