Graphic designer Inge Jastram dies at the age of 91 - a life's work comes to an end

Graphic designer Inge Jastram dies at the age of 91 - a life's work comes to an end

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Inge Jastram, an outstanding graphic designer and illustrator, who died on October 3, 2025 at the age of 91. Her daughter Susanne Rast has confirmed her death, marking the end of an artistic life that is unparalleled in Germany. Inge Jastram not only leaves behind her family, but also a remarkable body of work that lasted for decades and received great recognition. Loud n-tv She was born in Naumburg (Saxony-Anhalt) in 1934 and studied at the Berlin-Weißensee School of Art from 1952 to 1957. She earned her diploma as a book illustrator in 1957 and married the sculptor Jan Jastram in 1958. A year after her marriage, she and her husband set off for Rostock.

Numerous recognition for her work was inevitable. In 2019, Jastram received the Culture Prize of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for her life's work. This was another highlight in her impressive career, which included many facets. For her 90th birthday, a retrospective was exhibited at the Rostock Art Gallery, which gave a comprehensive overview of her artistic work. NDR reports that Jastram created many large-format gable paintings that can be found today on high-rise building facades, such as in Rostock-Schmarl.

A versatile work

Inge Jastram was not only known as a book illustrator, but also for her graphic work in newspapers as well as impressive stained glass windows and wall designs. Her return to book illustration in 1979, coupled with the “Best Book of the Year” award in 1982, demonstrated her talent and versatility. From 1990 onwards she increasingly devoted herself to freelance work, which often focused on observing people and landscapes. Her focus was particularly on the depiction of women, which even included portraits of prostitutes. These topics reflect a deep interest in social issues and demonstrate their commitment to the disadvantaged in society.

The artist, who was in her husband's shadow for a long time, also raised four children, of whom Jan and Susanne Jastram also work as sculptors. They also have a good knack for art and are carrying on their mother's legacy. She worked in her studio in Kneese until the end of 2024, producing etchings and other works of art with great passion.

A lasting legacy

Inge's works often addressed injustice, social coldness and abuse of power, which made her the most important contemporary graphic artist in Germany. Her influence continues to be felt through her numerous exhibitions and the recognition of her work in the art scene. Their magnificent gable paintings and other works of art remain in people's memories. Jastram's artistic sense of expression and the sharpness of her view of social issues make her an indispensable figure in German art history.

The art world has suffered a great loss with the death of Inge Jastram, but her life's work will continue to remain alive in the hearts and minds of the people who have engaged with and appreciated her works.