Stefan Sagmeister, a giant in contemporary design, is coming to SOF. A two-time Grammy Award winner, he has designed for the legendary music group The Rolling Stones, the prestigious Guggenheim Museum, and the popular HBO network. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous icons such as Lou Reed, OK Go, David Byrne, Jay Z, Aerosmith, Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and Pat Metheny. He is one of the most frequently invited speakers at TED and the creator of “The Happy Show,” an exhibition that set a record as the most visited graphic design exhibition in history.
A Provocateur with a Strong Emotional Impact
Stefan Sagmeister’s work addresses challenging themes, including sexuality, humor, elements of shock, and provocative imagery. His projects often test the boundaries of good taste, as exemplified by his collaboration announcement with designer and illustrator Jessica Walsh in 2012. Some describe him as a nonconformist, and while he doesn’t concern himself with labels, it’s clear that Stefan aims to evoke a powerful response with every piece of work he creates.
Graphic Designer, Conceptual Typographer, and Performative Artist
Stefan believes that design works should be not only functional but also entertaining and captivating. However, looking at his projects, it’s hard to associate them with a sense of lightness. On the main stage of SOF, with a lecture titled Now Is Better Based on Facts, he will guide us through an exploration of human progress over the centuries, encouraging us to choose gratitude and positivity over pessimism and despair.
