Franco Grignani

Franco Grignani (1908 – 1999) was a prominent Italian architect, graphic designer, and artist, known for his innovative contributions to optical graphic design and visual perception. Born in Pieve Porto Morone, Italy, he studied architecture in Turin from 1929 to 1933 and became involved in the second wave of Futurism and Constructivism, which significantly influenced his later work.

Grignani founded Studio Grignani in the 1930s, where he designed advertising for notable clients such as Fiat, Pirelli, and Mondadori. His most recognized creation is the Woolmark logo, designed in 1963, which has been applied to over five billion products and was voted "Best Logo of All Time" by Creative Review in 2011. His work is characterized by a focus on optical illusions and visual phenomena, leading him to become a key figure in Kinetic Art and Op Art movements.

Throughout his career, Grignani produced more than 14,000 experimental works, exploring the interplay between perception and graphic design. He was known for his meticulous use of black and white graphics, employing techniques that manipulated viewers' perceptions through dynamic arrangements of lines and shapes.

Grignani's contributions to graphic design were widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including the Palma d’Oro for advertising and gold medals at the Milan Triennale and the Venice Biennale. He participated in over 49 solo exhibitions worldwide and was an influential figure in various art movements throughout the 20th century. His work is displayed in international museums including MoMa in New York, the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He wrote various essays and taught both in Italy and the U.S.A.