Barbara Stauffacher Solomon (1928-2024)
Barbara Stauffacher Solomon (1928-2024) broke all the rules throughout her career—and we gained because of it. Recently, at the age of 95, with an incredible life to admire, Barbara passed away and left a phenomenal legacy. Though remarkable, her journey was not a simple career trajectory but the forging of a path that beautifully blended graphic design, architecture, and painting.
[Source: Barbara Stauffacher Solomon Estate]
In 1955, Barbara’s life took a tragic turn when her husband Frank passed away from a brain tumor only six years into their marriage. Left to raise their daughter Chloe as a single mother, Barbara showed incredible strength. She embarked on a bold new chapter, pursuing design studies in Basel, Switzerland. There, she embraced the clean lines and modern aesthetic of Swiss design, a style that continues to influence design today. This approach became a foundation for her own successful career.
Returning to San Francisco in the 1960s, Solomon brought a fresh perspective that resonated with prestigious clients like SFMOMA, where her creations now reside in the permanent collection. Her work pushed boundaries in a time dominated by classical design.
People would describe her work as bold and fresh. Unlike the familiar modern art and design we know today, her take was new—even in a big city like San Francisco. While breaking through many barriers as a woman in design, her career journey is a bookmark on history and her work a pillar of excellence.
[Source: SFMOMA]
A highlight of her work was commissioned in 2016 at SFMOMA, “Strips of Stripes”. A large environmental painting that was defined by the “supergraphics” movement—large geometric shapes with a limited color palette. A movement she started earlier in her career. Her relationship with SFMOMA expanded throughout the decades—for example, she designed their monthly program guides with her swiss design influence for a long time.
Barbara was an advocate of “breaking the rules” in her work. A term used in the design industry to distinguish a strategy of creating interest in visual work. When you create a pattern, you can make it stand out by breaking it. You need to learn how to establish the pattern first—know the rules of design, before “breaking it”. A skill reserved for the more advanced designers, of which Barbara had been for most of her career.
A pivotal moment in her career came with the Sea Ranch project. This renowned coastal community in Sonoma County, California, was designed by a collective of prominent architects. Solomon's contribution went beyond mere decoration. She infused the project with her signature Swiss influence, crafting the logo, signage system, and even vibrant murals that continue to grace the landscape to this day. Her work at Sea Ranch stands as a testament to her ability to seamlessly integrate design with architecture and environment.
[Source: Sea Ranch Lodge]
Barbara Stauffacher Solomon's legacy extends far beyond the walls of SFMOMA, The Sea Ranch, and all the amazing work that defined her career. She wasn't just a talented designer; she was a visionary who shattered the mold. Her life, marked by both personal tragedy and unwavering resolve, became a testament to the transformative power of strength. By embracing the clean lines of Swiss design and infusing them with a distinctly Californian spirit, she pioneered the "supergraphics" movement, leaving a lasting impact on the visual landscape. Her influence can be seen in countless public spaces, publications, and design philosophies.
More importantly, Solomon's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly women, who dare to challenge conventions and forge their own unique paths. While her presence is deeply missed, her bold lines, vibrant spirit, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries will forever be etched in the annals of design history, a testament to a life beautifully lived and a legacy that continues to inspire.
