iBauhaus

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This rich meditation explores the iPhone as a direct descendant of the 1930s Bauhaus, a pivotal school of art and design known for its principle of "less is more," aimed at bridging art and industry. Nicholas Fox Weber, a leading authority on the Bauhaus and modernism, offers an insightful examination of the iPhone through the lens of Bauhaus principles, emphasizing form following function and the honesty of design. He highlights the importance of materials that reflect the true nature of objects, favoring linear and geometric forms, while synthesizing art with modern technology. Weber, who has deep connections to the Bauhaus through his associations with Anni and Josef Albers, underscores their belief in prioritizing "good design over bad art." Anni, a pioneering textile artist, and Josef, a color theorist and influential teacher, adhered to Bauhaus teachings on the appropriate use of materials and technique. Weber posits that the Bauhaus represents an attitude rather than a style, advocating for clear design as a reflection of morality and honesty. In this exploration, he illustrates how the iPhone's effective design and versatility honor the core values that the Bauhaus aimed to impart to the world.