A Subversive Gleam: Max Bill and His Time: 1908-1939

This biography delves into the early life of Max Bill, a pivotal figure in modernist art and design, exploring his formative years and influence.

In the first volume of her multi-part biography, A Subversive Gleam: Max Bill and His Time: 1908-1939, Angela Thomas offers a captivating exploration of the early life of Swiss artist Max Bill. Known for his diverse talents as an architect, graphic designer, painter, and industrial designer, Bill emerged from a rich educational background at the Bauhaus, where he studied under luminaries such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. This formative period shaped his unique approach to integrated design, bridging traditional Bauhaus principles with contemporary interpretations.

Angela Thomas, who was married to Bill, provides a personal and insightful narrative that traces his journey from a small Swiss town to the influential circles of Zurich. Through her intimate knowledge of Bill's life, she paints a vivid picture of his evolution as an independent designer, set against the backdrop of Europe's complex political and artistic landscape leading up to World War II. The book not only highlights Bill's artistic achievements but also contextualizes his contributions within the broader movements of the time.

Originally written in German and translated into English for the first time, A Subversive Gleam serves as both a biography and a historical account, offering readers a deeper understanding of one of Europe's most significant modernist figures. Thomas's engaging writing style invites readers into the world of Max Bill, revealing the man behind the art and the ideas that shaped his legacy.