ArtCenter College of Design is proud to present “HELLO LA: Clive Piercy – Inside the Mind of a Designer,” a timely exhibition that surveys the work of renowned designer, author, and educator Clive Piercy (1955-2017). Piercy had an unparalleled career spanning 40 years in London and Los Angeles, and his signature design style was marked by radical uses of typography, the humorous and rigorous blending of British and American design, all with an Angeleno flair.
“HELLO LA” is a loving portrait of a cherished Los Angeles designer, and it offers an unparalleled glimpse into Piercy’s mind and work, with all its openness and optimism for humanity. The exhibition is curated by Ann Field, Piercy’s wife, collaborator, and celebrated illustrator/curator; Denise Gonzalez Crisp, renowned professor of graphic design, and member of Piercy’s firm Ph.D; and Greg Turpan, founder of the legendary home goods store Turpan.
The exhibition features an immersive experience comprising examples of Piercy’s most groundbreaking designs, capturing his whimsy and seriousness, as well as his love for color and the built landscape of Los Angeles. “HELLO LA” showcases a variety of media, from framed objects, projections, print, books, and installations, both out of scale and true scale. The exhibition reveals the juxtaposition of thoughts, visuals, and ideas that exist inside the mind of the designer.
Piercy was known for his dedication to craft, as well as to the ethics and aesthetics of graphic design. He was a beloved figure whose work has resonated globally, and he brought a British sensibility to the California aesthetic. His use of typography, color sense, and visual wit were all hallmarks of his work.
A longtime professor at ArtCenter College of Design, Piercy influenced a generation of students, and has said, “There are plenty of designers in the world; we are doing perfectly well without you. But what there is a true lack of is great graphic designers. So that is your obligation if you are in this class, to be great. And the greatest thing you can do as a designer is have work that is representative of your character, that reflects who you are, that is a manifestation of your taste.”
The exhibition will be on view from March 9, 2023, through June 24, 2023, at the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery at ArtCenter’s Pasadena campus. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free.
For more information about the exhibition, please click here.
