Modernism and Postmodernism in Graphic Design : Blog 12

Modernism and Postmodernism in Graphic Design

Throughout the 19^th century, Art and Graphic Design works, were produced in a certain artistic way which was about traditional values. Most artists worked in that manner, but the 20^th century brought about some changes. It was a new period in design known as Modernism. Modernism will eventually lead to Postmodernism were other changes occur. The Historical aspect affects the changes that happened in art and design.

The modern and post-modern periods included different works of art from those created in the 19^th century. The works evoked revolutionary ideas and different opinions. These contributed for a more open-minded and democratic world. Modern artist did not look back to the traditional ideas but looked into the future. Everyone was free to express themselves, and equality was given utmost importance.

Modernism developed between World War 1 and World War 2, therefore, the propaganda of the war posters were few examples of the revolutionary ideas of the time. Modern Artists supported and worked for several political revolutions. The Russian revolution was one event that provided brilliant opportunities for artists to try out various experiments and methods. The works expressed futuristic and abstract designs. Typography was given an important role in Modernism. Typefaces were developed and used for specific artistic meanings. We see an end to the spirit of modernism when World War 2 approaches.

Modern designs make more sense when seen in their actual social and political backgrounds. Images were usually symmetrical, structured and simplified. There was a specific way how fonts were aligned in order to compliment the images themselves. Typefaces were simple and basic such as sans serif fonts. Important facts in modern designs were the rules and grid of how empty space should be used in order to have a well-structured composition. This briefly explains Modernism.

Moreover, after Modernism, Post-Modernism followed. Post-Modernism was the exact opposite of Modernism. It was more chaotic and stylized, often with no meaning behind a design. Unlike the structural modern designs, Post-Modernist designs were all about style, creativity and how something looks. Graphic design was for the popular culture like fashion. Technical aspects also were different, postmodern design included collages, photos, and also hand drawn images. Later, the development of the computer made it easier for graphic designers to present more creative work.

Postmodern designers re-established an interest in ornaments and symbolism. They challenged the idea of ‘Form follows Function’ and in fact believed that illegibility can still communicate well. They rejected the teachings of Tschichold and took an anarchic approach known as The ‘New Wave’. The Term ‘New Wave’ was used for everything; graphic design, fashion, music etc. While modernists sought to create a better world, Postmodernists just accepted the world how it is.

In conclusion, even though the two periods have different characteristics, they both are a result of each other and of the current situations and context of the time. Art changes through time, artists look back for inspiration, but they always look forward to new ideas. I believe that the future will come, new experiments will be tested and some may succeed but the best thing about art is that it will never die.

Bibliography

Anon., n.d. Pure Graphics. [Online]
Available at: http://shanny12.wordpress.com/modernism-vs-postmodernism/
[Accessed 17 12 2014].

Anon., n.d. The History of Visual Communication. [Online]
Available at: http://www.citrinitas.com/history_of_viscom/modernists.html
[Accessed 17 12 2014].