Lecture notes...Post Modernism

Characterised by:

- Exhaustion
- Pluralism
- Pessimism
- Disillusionment with the idea of absolute knowledge

The term 'Postmodern' has been used since the 1970's, in order to describe the changes seen to be established in Western society and cultures from 1960's onwards.

'These changes arose from anti-authoritarian challenges to the prevailing orthodoxies across the board.'


http://www.tate.org.uk/collections/glossary/definition.jsp?entryId=230

Post-modernism is particularly seen as a reaction to Modernism as a movement, and may be considered to have begun with the arrival of pop art, and certainly embraced much from other movements such as Conceptual art, Neo-expressionism and Feminism. The designers of the Postmodern movement appear to take themselves far less seriously in reaction to the Modern designers, with far less regard for logical graphic elements such as grids, conforming type, and legible lettering. An element of playfulness is apparent throughout, again seemingly juxtaposing Modernism's strict 'form follows function' attitude.



http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/2007/01/20/barney-bubbles-artist-and-designer/

I feel that this design (The Damned, Music for Pleasure, Barney Bubbles, 1977) is a prime example of post-modernism in practice. The spaced out typography at the top of the image is so deliberately abstracted and illegible, in a rebellious sort of way it's as if you had to know exactly what you were searching for. Very anti-authoritarian and underground. A complete disregard for any use of the Modern, logical graphic ideas is perfectly demonstrated as well.



http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/2007/01/20/barney-bubbles-artist-and-designer/
(Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Imperial Bedroom - 1982. Also designed by Barney Bubbles)

Another useful example by Barney Bubbles. Again, it is possible to view this as a reaction against Modernism. The type is far more legible this time, but the elements of abstraction and surrealism are still present. There are so many different forms and and colours visible, effectively displaying the playfulness and rebelliousness of Post-modern artists and designers.



i-D magazine cover, Terry Jones, 1980. http://shanny12.wordpress.com/modernism-vs-postmodernism/

This magazine rapidly became an iconic representation of the new-wave and post-modern graphic design aesthetic upon its publication in 1980. The experimental typography and use of heightened, striking colour is symbolic of the expressive design and rebellion against strict constraints that is characteristic of post-modern designers.



Jeffery Keedy - Emigre Type Specimen Series. 2002.

http://shanny12.wordpress.com/modernism-vs-postmodernism/

Another challenging piece of postmodern graphic design. This however seems much more of a direct challenge, as opposed to the last pieces examined; there is slight evidence of a grid structure, yet the illogical aesthetics of the type would suggest a deliberate rebellion against this.