OUGD401 Context of practice- task 4- 5 images of modernist/postmodernist graphic design

Find 5 images of Modernist graphic design and 5 images of postmodernist graphic design. Write a short critical analysis of each image, which focuses on

a) Why you consider each image to be Modernist / Postmodernist

b) Whether you think that the image is successful or unseccesful

c) relate your analysis to the terminology introduced in the session

d) Use at least one quote from the essay by Massimo Vignelli to back up your analysis

Modernist Graphic Design

1.

http://www.designishistory.com/1940/joseph-mueller-brockmann/

This design is by Josef Müller Brockmann and is one of a series of concert posters called “Musica viva.” It can be considered to be Modernist because of it's minimal aesthetic and use of sans-serif type that is flush left, ragged right. Finally it uses a geometric grid that determines the arrangement of the type and images.

This images is successful because it portrays the movement of the music through a series of concentric curves communicated with elegance, simplicity and without emotional subjectivity.

In the 'Long live Modernism' essay by Massimo Vignelli, he says "The solutions should reflect the approach taken, and by virtue of its configuration, stimulate cultural reactions in the viewer, rather than emotional titillations." , this is clearly visible in the image through the use of the grid system and objective information that is communicated.

2.

http://wiedler.ch/felix/books

This image is by Carlo Vivarelli and it's the front cover to the journal Neue Grafik. It can be considered to be Modernist because it follows function over form in such a regimented fashion. It not only clearly states what it is in the title, but it displays it in three languages, as so does the rest of the text. It has no illustrations and uses a four column grid system.

It would be hard to argue that this design is unsuccessful because it has been stripped down to the bare essentials to communicate the objective function which is one of the  purposes of modernist design.

Massimo Vignelli states "Modernism was, and still is the search for truth, the search for integrality, the search for cultural stimulation and enrichment of the mind." This idea is reinforced through the front cover leaving the observer with a sense of urgency to read on. For example the front cover looks like a contents page.

3.

http://www.designers-books.com/?p=5966

In the context of Vignelli's statement, "I was raised to believe that, as a designer, I have the responsibility to improve the world around us, to make it a better place to live, to fight and oppose trivia, kitsch, and all forms of subculture that are visually polluting our world." , modernist designers have an obligation to oppose 'all forms of subculture that are visually polluting our world.'

As you can see in the image above, it uses a blend of minimal composition, a clean sans-serif type face and a consistent tone of colour to abolish/diminish all the 'visual pollutants' referred to in Vignellis' statement. All the elements of the design have been reduced to their essential qualities, offering no opportunity for the 'kistch' factor or unnecessary artefacts within the composition.

It is on this basis that it succeeds in fulfilling a modernist criteria.


4.

http://konstruktivedesign.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/bridging-gap-posters.html

These two images are contemporary designs that synthesis elements from the modernist era. Both images use geometric forms complimented by a deliberate, limited palette of colours, offsetting the sans-serif type, structurally aligned in a strict grid system.

"The revision of many Modernist issues have enriched our perception and have contributed to improving the quality of work." The two images above have clearly been enriched by Modernist issues whilst combining contemporary practises 'improving the quality of work.'

5.

http://mscorley.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/lemony-snicket-redesign.html

M.S. Corley, a contemporary designer, has redesigned this book series that embraces the timeless modernist aesthetic. The limited colour pallet is not only visually pleasing, but works as a method of categorisation of the series, it could be seen to combine the form and function for an effective, contemporary design solution. 

"Modernism's inherent notion of timeless values as opposed to transient values still greatly appeals to my intellectual being." , The images above suggests the timeless values of modernism has clearly survived the test of longevity. 

Post-modern Graphic design

1.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5456129686_1280623b58.jpg

The image above is by D. Sussman, it's a design for an olympic poster. The collage style and complicated, clashing colour scheme identifies this image as a piece of Post-modern design.

It successfully communicates energy and movement relating to the subject, yet lacks discipline and attention to detail, which are fundamental characteristics of the olympic games. The Post-modern style follows no rules and promotes rebellion, contrasting to the tradition and values of the olympics. Therefore it suceeds in some aspects but fails in others.


2.

http://www.webdesignstuff.co.uk/hp005/2011/01/26/deconstruction-and-web-page-design/

This image is by Katherine McCoy, a poster design for Cranbrook graduates. The Post-modern influences are apparent through the chaotic visual impact inflicted on the viewer. The text is randomly aligned, in some cases even overlapping, reflecting the lack of importance of legibility and function.

The image succeeds in communicating a visual style that suggests the fundamental design purpose is vanity focussed.

3.

http://www.thirdwaymagazine.co.uk/editions/dec-2011/reviews/post-modernism.aspx

This image is by Nigel Halliday, it portrays the Post-modern ideology to the extreme. The lack of rules, regarding the composition, the disjointed images and overall kitsch appearance suggests this is a good example of Post-modern design.

The image sucessfully, visually communicates Post-modernism through the complicated colour pallet, fragmented layout and undercurrent of rebellion in the overall aesthetic.

4.

http://www.flintriver.co.uk/blog/?p=2080

The magazine cover above was designed by Terry Jones. The expressive design rebels against restraints through the use of experimental typography, fierce layout, utilising collage with a contrasting use of colours.

The magazines demographics relate to the rebellious design aesthetic that appeals to the Post-modern youth culture. In this respect the image successfully serves it purpose.
5.

http://ha065.wordpress.com/gamswen/postmodern-graphic-design/

This editorial design is by Neville Brody for a magazine called 'The Face', it's distinctly Post-modern because of the experimental use of media. For example the textures of the paint jump off the page, accentuated by the harsh, jagged strokes of the black, overlapping the body copy compromising legibility.

The overall aesthetic of the design captures the vibrance of Africa, creating warmth and energy through the vivid colours and chaotic layout. This suggests it's a successful piece of design.