The resurgence of print as an ideal platform to showcase content is fascinating, especially when you consider that it never went away completely; but simply battled for the public’s attention against electronic publishing and websites. Around the world it is evident there is a continuous process of customized, one of a kind design, designed for print media; especially magazines and books.

Emerging from an homonymous exhibition, sponsored by Bauhaus University of Weimar, is the first edition of Forms of Formalism. Tailor-made by a small team of six contributors including graphic designer Michael Paul Romstöck and photographer Louis De Belle, the volume explores many facets of formalism and how it can be applied and discussed alongside visual art, literature, music, mathematics and philosophy. The parallels between old-school minimalism, negating figurative qualities and enhancing simplicity; and formalism with its emphasis on form over content; the visual identity for this book is quite relevant and appropriate.

The cover is a bold opening statement with its white background and clean cut title. Inside the book is divided interestingly, the first half focuses on photography on glossy paper, while the second half holds essays printed on matt paper. The attention to the experience of the reader from the precise visuals to the tactile quality is captivating. Indeed this is a publication worth the time of minimalism enthusiasts and those curious enough to dig deeper on formalism.