Les machines parlantes du phonographe à l'ordinateur 1980

The 1980 exhibition poster by Yves Defarcy titled "Les Machines Parlantes: Du Phonographe à l'Ordinateur" (The Talking Machines: From the Phonograph to the Computer) was created to promote an extraordinary exhibition held at the Centre Culturel de Boulogne-Billancourt, showcasing the Collection of Daniel Marty. This exhibition chronicled the evolution of communication technologies, offering an insightful journey through the history of sound and speech reproduction.

The exhibition, organized at the cultural center in Boulogne-Billancourt, explored humanity's fascination with capturing and transmitting sound, beginning with the advent of the phonograph in the late 19th century and culminating in the burgeoning world of computers in the late 20th century. Each display item—from early acoustic recording devices to the sleek electronic machines of the modern era—symbolized a step in technological progress, tracing how these "talking machines" shaped culture, communication, and society.

Daniel Marty, a noted collector and historian of phonographs and early sound devices, contributed significantly to the exhibition. His collection, widely recognized for its depth and historical value, included rare phonographs, gramophones, records, and other pivotal objects. The exhibition was not only a celebration of technological innovation but also an homage to Marty's dedication to preserving this legacy.

Yves Defarcy's poster captures the essence of the exhibition with its clean, modernist design, aligning with the futuristic and retrospective themes of the event. Though specific details about the visual aspects of the poster are unavailable here, Defarcy was known for his elegant and functional graphic style, which complemented the forward-thinking nature of the exhibition’s subject matter.

As an event, "Les Machines Parlantes" resonated with an era of rapid technological change, offering visitors a chance to reflect on how far humanity had come in its quest to replicate and enhance communication. It bridged the gap between history and modernity, connecting audiences to the roots of technologies that were becoming increasingly central to their daily lives.

This poster now stands as a piece of memorabilia for enthusiasts of both technological history and 20th-century graphic design. It represents a pivotal moment in the late 20th century when exhibitions like this played a vital role in fostering an appreciation for the interplay between technology, art, and culture.

Original Poster

Music - Technology

Boulogne Billancourt cultural center exhibition - Daniel Marty Collection

Parisian lithography Paris

Good condition