In Memoriam: Rob Schröder

We lost a creative force and a passionate activist this weekend with the passing of Rob Schröder. Born on November 13, 1950, in Oegstgeest, he passed away on July 6, 2024, at the age of 73. Rob Schröder was a designer, educator, program maker and filmmaker renowned for his contributions to graphic design and documentary filmmaking.

Rob’s journey began when he entered the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam in 1971. Initially aiming to become a painter, he soon found his true calling in graphic design. His passion for social justice found a perfect outlet in this medium, and together with Lies Ros and Frank Beekers, Rob co-founded the graphic design collective Wild Plakken in 1974. This collective became known for its politically charged and socially conscious work.

Wild Plakken's designs were not just about aesthetics; they were about messages. From posters for the Anti-Apartheidsbeweging Nederland to designs for De Nederlandse Opera and Het Zuidelijk Toneel, their work was deeply rooted in activism. Lies Ros once reflected on their work, saying, "We give the image absolute priority… A poster must, of course, have a fist-pounding effect." [1]

Rob Schröder maintained a strong connection with the Stedelijk Museum through Wild Plakken. The museum not only showcased Wild Plakken's innovative and politically engaged designs but also collaborated with them for Museum Fodor, for whom Wild Plakken designed exhibition catalogs, magazines and other printed matter from the late 70s through the early 90s.

Transitioning to filmmaking was a natural extension of Rob's activism. His documentaries, often centered on social and political issues, reflected his commitment to giving a voice to the marginalized. One of his notable works is "Ouwehoeren," a documentary about twin sisters Louise and Martine Fokkens, who worked as sex workers in Amsterdam. Co-directed with Gabriëlle Provaas, this film won the Prix Europa for best TV documentary in 2012, highlighting Rob's ability to handle sensitive subjects with empathy and insight.

Another significant project was "Possessed," an essay film created with the design studio Metahaven and screened during EARTH, Metahaven’s large scale review at the Stedelijk in 2019. This film, exploring the impact of smartphones on society, premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival and was praised for its thought-provoking content. Rob's ability to blend personal footage with Metahaven's critical style created a compelling narrative about modern life.

Max Kisman, a fellow graphic designer, and friend of Schöder, reflected, "Rob always pushed the boundaries. Whether in graphic design or film, he was never afraid to tackle the tough issues." [2]

Rob was also a dedicated educator, teaching at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and the Sandberg Instituut. His influence on students was profound, and many have carried forward his legacy of using art and design as a tool for social change. In a discussion about our roles as educators within institutions, Rob once said to me, "Education is not about teaching skills; it's about challenging the status quo.” [3]

Rob Schröder's legacy lives on not just in his art but in his unwavering commitment to activism and social justice, inspiring others to do the same.

— Thomas Castro