Masters of the Medium: Johannes Itten

Johannes Itten, one of the most influential yet eccentric Bauhaus teachers, shaped the foundation of modern design education. A Swiss-born theorist, he created the Bauhaus preliminary course, emphasizing intuition, experimentation, and the development of individual creative personality—rather than mere imitation of masters. His color theories, including the famous color star and the concept of seasonal types, remain relevant in art, fashion, and design today.

But Itten’s story also has a darker side. A follower of the Mazdaznan cult, he introduced vegetarian diets and spiritual rituals into Bauhaus life, dividing the school and clashing with Walter Gropius. Despite controversies, his radical teaching methods transformed generations of artists, making him both admired and feared. Until his death in 1967, Itten continued to publish influential works on color and form, leaving behind a complex but enduring legacy.

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