Gustav Holst’s The Planets Concert Poster
This poster visually interprets Mars, The Bringer of War from Gustav Holst’s The Planets using only shape, form, line, and typography to capture the piece’s energy, intensity, and dramatic tension. Inspired by Futurist and Suprematist approaches, the design utilizes geometric abstraction and dynamic composition to evoke movement and conflict. These early 20th-century artistic movements, which emerged around the same time as The Planets, enhance the visual representation of Holst’s bold and rhythmic storytelling. The use of a rusty, aged red references the planet Mars while also nodding to the historical context of both the music and the avant-garde design movements that influenced this piece. Additionally, red’s associations with war, urgency, and passion further reinforce the themes of the composition. The final design serves as a promotional piece for a concert performance of The Planets.