Penn State glee club – spring concert 1980

Curator: Lanny Sommese created this poster, “Penn State Glee Club – Spring Concert” in 1980. Its visual vocabulary situates it within modernism and specifically points towards pop art influences. It’s a print, a linocut if you look closely. Editor: Okay, my first thought? It’s spring in an image. Pale green, sort of understated…except those clef symbols sprouting right out of the lily’s center. It's wonderfully quirky! Curator: That’s the power of semiotics! The combination of musical notation and the natural imagery speaks volumes. The poster has that modernist element that promotes cultural events as intertwined within our very being. In the 80's this poster speaks of cultural inclusiveness, a need to combine seemingly contrary ideals. What do you think about its composition? Editor: Well, the limited color palette—the various greens, some yellow accents—definitely keeps it cohesive, but there’s something about the simple lines and the way the information about the concert is almost tucked into the corners. Reminds me of screen printing…DIY aesthetic with a polished edge, really suits a university glee club! Also note the negative space! That amplifies the freshness this evokes. Curator: The use of graphic design principles definitely creates a visual hierarchy, making sure the crucial information stands out but the placement certainly blends pop-art with academic rigor. It encapsulates how, back in 1980, many educational spaces adopted contemporary aesthetic. Editor: The juxtaposition makes me consider: are the arts essential to the flourishing of an institution? Look how something as seemingly straightforward as a concert announcement transcends its purpose, becoming, as you said, symbolic. Curator: I think that's exactly the intent. This work really highlights the necessity of art being socially engaged, pushing viewers to connect art and everyday experiences through community events. The overall aesthetic lends to accessible design and messaging. Editor: Absolutely! Well, I feel utterly cultured and ready for a spring concert now! It’s amazing how much narrative this poster holds. Curator: It's fascinating to view how this piece can act as a historical touchstone, too. So many layers to unpack and re-imagine.