David Klein (American artist)
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For the cinematographer and actor 'Dave Klein', see Dave Klein.
David Klein (February 23, 1918 - December, 2005) was an American artist, best known for his influential work in advertising. Klein was born in El Paso, Texas, but moved to California where he attended the Art Center School (later renamed Art Center College of Design) in Los Angeles. He was a member of the California Watercolor Society and displayed his work at various exhibits, most notably the Golden Gate International Exhibition of 1939-40. Klein is best remembered, however, for the travel advertisements he created for Howard Hughes and Trans World Airlines. During the 1950's and 60's, Klein designed dozens of posters for TWA, advertising travel to various destinations. Most of Klein's posters depict famous landmarks in the abstract, a style that is widely attributed to his early work in watercolor. TWA filed for bankruptcy and was acquired in 2001. Shortly thereafter, internet travel agency Orbitz began using Klein's original images in its advertisements. New York City's Museum of Modern Art displays one of Klein's posters as part of its permanent exhibition.
[edit] Posters
In recent years, original copies of David Klein travel posters have become increasingly valuable, in some cases fetching prices at live auction or gallery in excess of $1,000 (USD). Because TWA used Klein's work in its advertising for three decades (1950's-1970's), numerous variations of his posters exist.
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