In Jan van Toorn’s work, his torrent of imagination will literally thrust his viewer onto his mighty wave of creativity. His objective of calling “the viewer to make an effort to process their complexities” is evident even before the content page of Critical Practice.



Title: Jan van Toorn: Critical Practice
Author: Rick Poynor
Publisher: 010 Publishers



The phrase “creative genius” is an understatement for the world-renowned Dutch graphic designer, Jan van Toorn. The compilation of his work in Critical Practice is the third volume in the Graphic Design in the Netherlands series.



Prioritizing more on the essence of the subject matter, Jan van Toorn never fails to captivate the viewer with simple imaginary. His compelling messages and insights on the other hand bring about a different level of sophistication in his work.

Jan van Toorn’s creative ideas, even though powerful, subside graciously like a wave that has crashed onto the rocks at shore. His stimulating visuals immerse viewers into his world of graphic communication but at the same time steers their imagination to endless possibilities. Only a talented and passionate artist like Jan van Toorn is able to achieve such creative brilliance.



Understanding Jan van Toorn’s attempt to encourage a “more active and sceptical view of art” through his works will allow a reader to better appreciate his ingenuity. His amazing works speaks to viewers at different levels and at different times. Flipping through Critical Practice for the second or even the third time, gives the viewer a different perception into the works of the avant-garde Jan van Toorn.

Critical Practice is not just a mere visual spread of Jan van Toorn’s works, it also includes his insights on today’s art. His aggressive artworks won’t inundate viewers because Rick Poynor has included quotes that remind the viewer of Jan van Toorn's objectives.



Poynor has also vividly expressed the pressure Jan van Toorn feels in “challenging classic design” against hardliners like Wim Crouwel who prides himself as the true functionalist, one who does not allow personal emotions and opinions to affect the client’s message.



Close to 50 pages, the write-up is aptly placed right in the middle of the book, which allows the viewer a better understanding after a gentle preamble into Van Toorn’s spirited work in the first half of the Critical Practice. Poynor rolls in the final wave with a quote by Van Toorn expressing his displeasure with today’s design.


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