The birth of graphic design in Bogota’s Higher education, 1948-1963

Abstract

The objective of this article is to explain the birth of Graphic Design in Bogota’s higher education, more precisely at Universidad Nacional, between 1948 and 1963. This qualitative research implemented n historiographic approach based on a work with primary sources taken from the Fine Arts Facults archive at Universidad Nacional de Colombia complemented with literature research and witness interviews with leaders in the area. During the first half of the 20th centura, commercial arts were advertisements made by graduates from Universidad Nacional’s Fine Arts School in Bogota an. These artists were known as draftsmen even until the 60’ss, the concept of graphic design was a cross-curricular activity in the academic programs from the German Bauhaus during the 20’s that was only spread worldwide after its founders contributed to the opening of Yale’s Graphic Design program in 1950. Later, the graphic design concept arrived in Bogota and it was officially recognized whe, Universidad Nacional de Colombia started the “Graphic Design Expert” program in 1963, after various changes in the Fine Arts Program since 1948.