In today's seminar we had a brief introduction to modernism and postmodernism, to give us an insight to which question to choose for our main body of work for this module. Since I have never studied either of these styles and periods before, I found it really interesting and useful to go through it.
Modernism's key principle is that form must follow function. The purpose of the image is primary to the design, how the image looks comes second. There is a rejection of ornament, it's simple, basic and minimal. This means that the work will look timeless, and isn't connected to a specific period or time frame.
The international typographic style is used within modernism. It consists of a set of guidelines that should be followed, including using a grid, sans serif typefaces, abandoning using illustration in favour of photography, and having flush left, ragged right body text.
The modernists believed that they could save the world with this pure, universal style. There was a sort of grand plan for the future of humanity, which consisted of equality, taking disorder and confusion out of the world and using new technology and harnessing it for the better of humanity. Modernism wasn't just present in graphic design, it influenced architects too. Many buildings started forming between the 50's and 70's that were known as brutalist architecture. A good example of this is Preston Bus Station:
There is no personal element to this building, It looks very mechanical, robotic and soul-less. The modernist's dream of everything being equal, clean and ordered took away the culture and the human element. They had a radical vision that was flawed.
I do really enjoy the modernist style, but only really in terms of graphic design. Here is a piece by Wim Crouwel that displays the modernist principles:
You can see that everything has been created through a grid structure. There are no unnecessary decorations, and there is a clear message. I think that this work is successful, but the ideas behind it can be quite flawed when applied to the entirety of society.
Postmodernism was in its prime between the 80's and 90's, and was a direct response to modernism. It is characterised by:
- Exhaustion
- Pluralism (many different styles)
- Pessimism (modernism was a failed radical vision)
- Disillusionment with the idea of absolute knowledge
Postmodernism takes modernist principles and changes them, it adds character, meaning and personality. One understanding of the world (modernism) has been replaced by a failed project, and the world has become chaotic again. Postmodernism is saying that the world is, and forever will be a huge messy chaotic mixture of design, people, buildings and attitudes.
Some artists believe that there are many political reasons to reject modernism. Paula Scher feels that modernism is largely corporate and scary. Every company would use Helvetica, and she felt there was no meaning or human aesthetic behind it. I have chosen an example of postmodernist work created by Paula Scher:
This is a world map, but you can tell that it denys all the principles laid down by the modernists. There is no order or clear structure. It completely rejects the grid. The design of this piece is purely aesthetic, and the function follows the form. I think that this piece is really striking and is full of extravagant colours and textures. It allows the artist to express themselves and not conform to strict guidelines laid down by the supreme perfectionists. Postmodernism was a response to modernism, and it tore down all the rules and broke the boundaries of the time.
No comments:
Post a Comment