Eduardo Chillida (1924-2002) - 1972 Munich Olympic Games

Munich 1972 Olympics – 1972 – Original Poster by Eduardo Chillida
Abstract Minimalism for the Games of the XX Olympiad
Lithograph | 101 × 64 cm | Germany

Introduction
This striking original lithograph was created by the renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida for the 1972 Munich Olympics. As a key contribution to the celebrated "Edition Olympia 1972," this piece exemplifies Chillida's mastery of spatial relationships and negative space. The design features bold, interlocking black forms against a stark white background, echoing the structural solidity of his famous iron and concrete sculptures but translated into a fluid two-dimensional graphic medium. The composition is anchored by the official "Olympische Spiele München 1972" typography and Otl Aicher’s iconic spiral logo at the bottom, creating a sophisticated counterpoint to the colorful, kinetic energy usually associated with sporting events.

Why It Matters
The Munich 1972 art poster series is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious intersections of fine art and athletic history. Under the visionary design direction of Otl Aicher, the organizing committee commissioned world-class artists—including David Hockney, Victor Vasarely, and Chillida—to interpret the Olympic spirit. This resulted in a collection that is highly collectible today, blurring the line between promotional material and museum-quality prints. Chillida’s contribution is particularly sought after by admirers of abstract expressionism and minimalism. It represents a specific moment in design history when the "Happy Games" sought to present a modern, culturally rich Germany to the world, making this not just a sports poster, but a piece of genuine fine art history.

Poster Details
* Year: 1972
* Country: Germany
* Size: 101 × 64 cm
* Format: German A1 (approx)
* Studio / Publisher: Edition Olympia 1972 GmbH
* Designer: Eduardo Chillida

Condition
This poster is preserved in very good vintage condition (Grade B). It may show slight signs of handling or age appropriate for a piece from the early 1970s, but the lithographic black remains deep and the contrast sharp.
Take a look at the pictures. What you see is what you get.