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all art is solitary and the studio is a torture area. —alexander liberman

 

Alexander Liberman stands in his studio with a recent work of welded and painted steel

Alexander Liberman stands in his studio with a recent work of welded and painted steel. Photo via Getty Images.

 

 

formative time

 

Liberman’s early work life in France was diverse: he designed stage sets, briefly worked as an illustrator, and assisted to poster designer Cassandre. Aged eighteen, Alexander started his publishing career with VU, one of the world’s first illustrated periodicals. There he collaborated with renowned photographers, including Brassaï, Man Ray, and Robert Capa. Eventually, Alexander rose to managing director at Vu, but left it in 1936.

 

VU magazine cover, March 1933. The cover features End of Civilization photomontage by Marcel Ichac under the art direction of Alexander Liberman.

 

VU magazine cover, March 1933. The cover features End of Civilization photomontage by Marcel Ichac
A spread of Vu magazine, featuring Drunkenness of Movement photo essay

A spread of Vu magazine, featuring Drunkenness of Movement photo essay.

 

Vu magazine cover, September 1933.

 

Vu magazine cover. A French flag with a female statue
Vu magazine cover. Le Marathon Du Baiser
Vu magazine cover. Horoscope 1935
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i think the term “art director” is the greatest misnomer. there’s no art in magazines unless you are reproducing works of art. —alexander liberman

 

Vogue Magazine Staff standing at Vogue Office at Place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
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