
Topkapi
1997 · Pasted gelatin silver print, torn-and-pasted printed paper, and ink on paper
20 5/8 × 16 1/4" (52.4 × 41.3 cm)
Museum of Modern Art

Elaine Lustig Cohen was an American graphic designer and typographer whose work defined the visual language of postwar American modernism. She designed book jackets, logos, and exhibition graphics with a disciplined approach to geometric form and sans-serif typography, establishing a stark aesthetic that prioritized clarity and functional elegance. Her practice extended to the design of complete visual systems for publishers and cultural institutions, making her a foundational figure in the professionalization of graphic design in the United States.
Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 25d ago