The Century of the Poster: Slovenian Poster Design in the 20th Century

The Century of the Poster by Dr Cvetka Požar was first published to accompany an exhibition of the same name, held in 2015 at the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) in Ljubljana. This highly acclaimed exhibition showcased the poster as a direct and effective medium of visual communication that has attracted audiences in public spaces for over a century through its compelling blend of imagery and text.

Spanning over a century of social, cultural, and technological change, The Century of the Poster offers a detailed typological and stylistic analysis of the poster as a medium of mass communication. Dr Požar examines how the poster in Slovenia — like elsewhere in Europe — emerged as a powerful visual tool, shaping public space, influencing political discourse, and reflecting the aspirations and transformations of modern society.

Drawing from MAO’s extensive visual communications collection — the only one of its kind in Slovenia — alongside materials from national libraries, archives, and private holdings, the book presents a rich visual narrative of over 300 posters. From early 20th-century lithographs to (late) modernist and post-socialist design, the selection illustrates how Slovenian designers contributed to global developments in visual communication while articulating distinct local identities.

This English edition makes the book accessible to an international audience for the first time. Although the author’s research originates in Slovenia and provides a unique insight into the development of graphic design in the country, the book’s message transcends national borders. It offers a broader, more fundamental reflection on the poster as a form of creative expression in the 20th century. At the same time, the book reminds us that the poster is not merely a visual reflection of the time in which it was created but also a medium that can actively shape the social and political context.

Scholarly yet visually engaging, The Century of the Poster is an essential reference for historians, designers, and anyone interested in graphic design, visual culture, or modern history.