Jonas Juozas Burba (1907–1952): A Graphic Designer Who Represented Lithuania with His Works

Abstract

The article introduces the Lithuanian graphic artist Jonas Juozas Burba, one of the pioneers of contemporary Lithuanian design, by revealing the diversity of his creative activities and providing information about his newly identified works and additional data about his known works. The article also reviews the artist’s family history, his studies, and various social activities.
Between 1929 and 1933, Burba studied at art academies in Dresden and Leipzig, but did not obtain a diploma. Before studying in Germany, his main work was graphic design of books (at least 25) and periodicals (he made his debut in 1922 by winning the cover competition of the Catholic magazine Giedra for Lithuanian schoolchildren in the USA). At the same time, he took up various other creative activities: writing, publishing, designing bookplates and posters, and other fields of graphic design.
From 1930, the direction of Burba’s creative activity changed. The artist focused his attention on applied graphic art: he designed award trophies, diplomas, flags, badges, painted posters, designed and made gifts, and created postage stamp designs. At the same time, he delved into print art and advertising, presented exhibitions, and took interest in artistic photography.