The Graphic Design of Shin Matsunaga

Peace Poster, 103×72.8cm/1986

Shin Matsunaga was born in Tokyo in 1940. Following graduation from Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music in 1964, he worked in the advertising division of Shiseido Cosmetics until 1971 when he left to form his own studio, Shin Matsunaga Design Office Inc. His works range from graphic design for posters and corporate identities to sculptures and monuments. 

His major works; corporate identity design for Issey Miyake Inc.; package design for French cigarette 'Gitanes' selected as the 1st prize at the international competition and the symbol mark design for the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubish etc.

POSTER, EN MASAYUKI KUROKAWA, 1989
Designed by Shin Matsunaga Design Inc. and photographed by Noritoyo Nakamoto and subject: Takenaka Works Co., Ltd. Its medium is offset lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

The direct approach and simple yet powerful impact of his designs have won a wide following. He has had one-man shows in Warsaw, New York, Belgium, and many other cities in the world. The permanent collections of 60 museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, contain many of his works.

POSTER, RIGHTS OF HUMANKIND, 1989
created by Shin Matsunaga Design Inc. Its medium is offset lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

He has received numerous awards, including International Poster Biennale, Warsaw gold medal, and the Education Minister's Art Encouragement Prize for Freshman. Collections of his work in print include The Design Works of Shin Matsunaga (Kodansha), Phollage (Shinshindo), Graphic Cosmos - The World of Shin Matunaga (shueisha), and 'Shin Matsunaga on Design' (Agosto).

He's a member of AGI, a committee member of the Tokyo Art Directors Club, a trustee of the Japan Graphic Designers Association, an international member of the New York Art Directors Club and acts as an international judge regularly. Images Via Cooper Ewitt

POSTER, PEACE '89, 1989
Designed by Shin Matsunaga Design Inc. and printed by Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd. Its medium is offset lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

POSTER, KOIZUMI LIGHTING THEATER, IZM OPEN, 1990, 7, 14, 1990
Created by Shin Matsunaga Design Inc. Its medium is offset lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.