Supergraphics in the ’70s referred to large scale geometric graphics on a wall or building, bringing movement and vibrancy to an otherwise minimalist space. Imagine the iconic Polaroid rainbow curving around one of your walls; that was the general concept of these 1970s murals.
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Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Stauffacher Solomon was a front runner in supergraphics. Bobbie is a powerhouse of a woman who holds multiple degrees from some of the world’s top universities. At 23 years old, her husband, filmmaker Frank Stauffacher, died of a brain tumour, leaving her with their disabled 3-year-old child and no money. Young, beautiful and single, she reportedly fled San Francisco as all of her friend’s husbands were pining after her! Solomon took this opportunity to study at the Basel Art Institute. Being back in America with prestigious Swiss training and friends in high places, Barbara was immediately given an office and job after job. Her most famous job was actually her first: the multitude of supergraphics and painted signs featured at The Sea Ranch in California. Barbara is still living her best life in San Francisco at 93 years old.
“If Steve Jobs had known me back then, he probably would have hired me”
Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
Sources:
https://www.foldmagazine.com/multi-hyphenate-pioneer-barbara-stauffacher-solomon
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/supergraphics-is-the-70s-design-trend-making-a-comeback-240144