affischer

Affischer is the term used in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish for a printed poster. An affisch is designed to communicate a message quickly and from a distance, and is typically affixed to walls, notice boards, or other public surfaces. Posters include text, images, and color to attract attention and convey information about events, products, or public notices.

History and usage: The poster emerged with the development of affordable mass printing in the 19th century. Lithography and later offset printing allowed many large, vivid posters to be produced for travel notices, theater bills, advertisements, and political campaigns. In urban centers, posters became a common form of street communication and a platform for graphic artists to experiment with typography and imagery.

Design and production: An affisch is typically conceived as a composed layout intended for rapid perception. Key elements include bold typography, high-contrast imagery, and legible information such as date and venue. Printing methods evolved from lithography to offset and, today, digital printing. Outdoor posters may use weather-resistant stocks and protective coatings.

Types and functions: Posters serve commercial advertising, event promotion, film and theater promotion, public information, and political messaging. They range from ephemeral street-facing notices to collectible poster art that is valued for its design and historical context.

Contemporary status: In the digital age posters remain prevalent for live events and campaigns, while archives preserve historic affischer for study. The practice intersects with graphic design, advertising, and cultural history, reflecting changing aesthetics and social priorities.