Siegfried Odermatt was a Swiss graphic designer known for his experimental approach within the Swiss design movement, often challenging its formal, grid-based structure. He was born in Neuheim, Switzerland, in 1926. He was a self-taught graphic designer. While working as a delivery boy for Graphis Press he became acquainted with painter and graphic artist Hans Falk and later collaborated on some freelance work with Falk from 1943 to 46. As a self-taught designer, Odermatt cultivated a unique style that diverged from the clean, restrained Swiss International Style by incorporating bold color, unconventional layouts, and daring typographic choices. These elements reflected his rejection of purely functionalist constraints and allowed for expressive, highly visual works.

In the early 1960s, Odermatt hired Rosmarie Tissi as an apprentice, and in 1968, she became a partner, forming the celebrated Odermatt & Tissi studio. Their partnership thrived on creative independence and constructive criticism, where they would develop designs individually, then review and refine them together. This collaborative dynamic helped them produce innovative posters, advertisements, and book designs that emphasized visual impact and creativity over strict adherence to design norms. Their studio’s work, renowned for its distinctive style, has been featured in numerous international exhibitions and collections, including those at the Museum of Modern Art and Centre Pompidou.

Odermatt passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that significantly influenced Swiss and international graphic design by pushing the boundaries of visual communication and adding a layer of artistic individuality to the typically structured Swiss aesthetic. (hs)