Serpentine dancer. Poster design for Lois Fuller. 1902

Koloman Moser designed this poster for Loie Fuller using watercolor, gouache, and pencil. The composition is striking. The dark background throws a curvilinear form into sharp relief. The yellow is radiant, almost vibrating against the black. Here, the linear marks create a sense of movement. These lines arch and fan out, suggesting a dynamic transformation. The Serpentine dancer, Fuller, was known for her innovative stage lighting and costume design. So the poster design captures the essence of Fuller's performance. This suggests the semiotic possibilities of movement. Moser here explores the interplay between light, form, and motion, creating an image that is both aesthetically pleasing and conceptually rich. As we reflect on the poster’s aesthetic, consider how this visual language engages with ideas of modernity, representation, and performance.