What is Postmodernism? (some examples which demonstrate key aspects of Postmodernism)
1. Grapus
Fig.1 Artelier popular,1968
Fig.2 We will go all the way,1968
Fig.3 Musée de l'affiche, Pierre Bernard
• The breaking of regular and modernist compositional rules with a new approach to layout and the grid that replaced the minimal, angular and constructivist typographic compositions
• The absence of rules of scale or placement
• Typefaces deformation
• Use of motifs and elements from the past. The mixing and matching of known styles
• The overlapping of elements in one piece of design, the use of layers
• The influence of subcultures (punk)
• The use of bright and bold colours and light in a childlike manner
2. Pentagram
Fig.4 The 90s : A look Back, Tony Hendra and Pete
Fig.5 EXHIBITIONISM - The Rolling Stones book, Abbott Miller
Fig.6 Identity for Garden Museum, Luke Powell, Jody Hudson-Powell
Fig.7 Trust Elvis, poster by Paula Scher
Fig.8 Color Works by Eddie Opara and John Cantwell
Fig.9 Gloster by Woody Pirtle
• Playfulness and fun
• Bright and bold colours and light
• The use of layers, transparency and typefaces deformation
• The use of digital technology
• Expressionist style of communicating
• The influence of subcultures (especially psychedelia and punk)
3. Henrik Drescher
Fig.10 He, H.Drescher
Fig.11 Big Rock Candy Mountain, H. Drescher, tempera, oil enamel,on paper mounted on linen canvas, 26 x 38
Fig.12 The Yellow Umbrella, H. Drescher
Fig.13 China Days, H. Drescher
Fig.14 "Love the Beastie", Book illustrated by H. Drescher
Fig.15 “Brer Rabbit”, Book illustrated by H. Drrescher
• Playfulness and fun
• The use of bright and bold colours and light, often in a childlike or kitsch manner
• The rejection of the modernist mottos that "form follows style" and that "less is more"
• The mix of fictional with realistic elements
• The overlapping of elements in one piece of design, the use of layers, transparency and typefaces deformation
• The absence of rules of scale or placement