Post-Modernism

Post-Modernism is the direct response to the forces of Modernity and Modern art.  It strives to be the opposite of the clean-cut, minimal approach that the Modernist designers had in their work.  This movement ignored strict layout, whilst including bright colours and complex typefaces.  Post-Modern work often got a negative response from the public because of this, but stood out as a clear rebellion against the norm.


I believe Post-Modernism was more of an attitude than a design movement.  It involved unsightly colours, sharp and jagged typefaces and the defacing of respected public figures.  Because it was so anti-ordinary, it also pushed the boundaries of design and encouraged more experimentation past the clean, neat and strict Modernist work.

Elvis Has Left The Building (Artist Unknown) 1980

http://www.johnnypunish.com/blog/2010/06/protest-guitars/

The Clash were renowned for their 'underground' music and way of life.  The designer replicated this in a poster by adding a threshold effect and layering the type in a careless manner.  It reflected the urban and grungy qualities the band had, and is an example of the rebellion against the ordinary.

 God Save The Queen, Jamie Reid, 1977

http://madamepickwickartblog.com/never-mind-the-bollocks-heres-the-black-bloc/

This is an example of work that is made to be offensive, to provoke some sort of backlash from the nation.  By defacing the Queen, a worldwide figure and a representation of English history and tradition, Jamie Reid created an instant intimidating atmosphere to the piece.  To me, it looks as though the Queen is being taken hostage, which is a very frightening scenario.  This interpretation is what, I believe, makes this a post-modern design.  It is all about the attitude, rather than the aesthetics.

 i-D Cover, Terry Jones, 1980

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

The cover of the i-D magazine is a terrific example of post-modernity because it conflicts Modernity on so many levels.  Firstly, the colours used are bright and unsightly, there is no real centre of attention on the page. Jones has used collage elements in the work with the eyes and used a broad range of distorted typefaces.

 Never Mind The Bollocks album art, Jamie Reid, 1977

http://www.virginmedia.com/music/pictures/toptens/best-album-covers-ever.php?ssid=19

This is an example of work that ignores any kind of typographic harmony throughout.  The pink banner displays varying fonts, sizes and angles that certainly fight against the minimal work of the Modernists.  It goes against their clean ethics by representing something that looks screwed up, thrown on the floor and trodden on.

London 2012 Olympics Logo, Wolff Olin, 2007

http://www.sailing.org/london2012/

This is the very infamous 2012 Olympics logo, which has received a lot of bad reception after its release in 2007.  The style is very reminiscent to the punk movement, and incorporates the same bright colours as the 'Never Mind the Bollocks' album 30 years prior to this.  The logo also had the same public response; provoking disgust and refusal.