Geometry Meets Function: Alfred Arndt’s Bauhaus Poster for Konsum Bakery in 1923

Alfred Arndt’s 1923 poster for the Konsumgenossenschaft bakery in Jena is a masterclass in Bauhaus design principles. Created during the height of the Bauhaus movement, this piece is a testament to the power of simplicity and functional aesthetics. With its geometric shapes, restrained colour palette, and bold typography, the poster embodies the values of clarity and efficiency that defined early 20th-century German graphic design.

The poster’s composition is both minimalistic and impactful. A large yellow circle forms the backdrop, symbolizing warmth and community—a fitting representation of a bakery. The black “KONSUM” type dominates the centre, making an unmistakable statement about the cooperative’s purpose. Arndt’s use of red and black for “BÄCKEREI” and “JENA” adds visual rhythm, while the inventive interplay between the letters “B” and “J” adds a touch of dynamism, guiding the viewer’s eye across the design.

This poster not only advertises a bakery but also communicates a design philosophy. It reflects the Bauhaus ideals of merging art with practical needs, aiming to elevate everyday objects and visuals with artistic integrity. As a piece of public design, it is visually compelling, easy to comprehend, and showcases the power of minimalist aesthetics. Nearly a century later, Arndt’s Konsum poster remains an inspiring example of how design can communicate purpose through form, encouraging modern designers to find beauty in simplicity.