Postmodernisms. Lecture 3.
Post-modernism first appeared in 1949, an approach after modernism. The movement was an unstable mix of the theatrical and theoretical, post-modernism was visually thrilling and exciting multifaceted style that was enriched with bright ludicrous colours. A freedom if you must, in art and design it brought a new self-awareness about the style itself. Vivid colour, theatricality and exaggeration, everything was a style statement. Not only was it a huge step in style it was a big transition in architecture, buildings were non-functional and torn down to be replaced. The ultimate goal was to be clean and functional but with outrageous style. A rethink of modernism a progression of time, size, function and colour. Post-modernism was the umbrella term for rethinking a movement. Artist and designers began to explore the decades to produce work with multiple styles from history, Paula Scher was one of those artists. She began in the late 70s with a focus on type with the use of historical design to make visual and emotional impact that would appeal to a contemporary audience. She obtained the label of Postmodern graphic designer and created works that became about “borrowed style” as she experimented with early modernism typography. A combination of directional angles, bold, bright and instantly recognizable. Influences on change and exploration the movement was a acceleration of the way we think of design, instead of a straight direction it became more flexible and explored multiple styles and techniques. Postmodernists typically have a lot stronger belief in the concept of the finished product, rather than the product itself.
