week 7/8

Post Modernism

1975-1990

This was developed in rebellion to the strict structure of the Swiss/International period. This period re-established wit, humour, irony through visual symbols and motifs in all areas of design; art, fashion, architecture, graphics, furniture, etc. It was a very free period of expression in art, it was a reaction against the modernists and their 'less is more' approach. In Post modernism their wasn't many rules to follow but to convey your message in your art any way you could, sometimes the more extravagent the better, other times the subtler the better.

A good example is the Sydney Opera House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which ignored the modernists obsession with pure geometry. The building is shaped to symbolise the sea, flight of the seagull and the sails of a boat.

http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/800px-sydney_opera_house_sailsk.jpg

Many architectural designs mimicked natural forms rather than the modernists approach of geometric shapes. The fashion industry saw a major change in style and what was accepted by the evolving community, they saw a merging of men and women's cloths...typically seen in Boy Georges' style when the gay culture that was embraced in the 80's. Also Madonna showcases the undergarments as clothing.

The Post modernists completely went against the rule of form must follow function, they played with proportions, abstraction and deliberately broke the rules in a playful matter. The 'Memphis Group' was a group of Post-modernists that created a unique look, with vibrant, eccentric colours and design in reaction to the humourless design of modernism.

The Post modernists also challenged the ideals of the viewer, usually with simple and clean designs incorporating an organic curve to upset the balance, yet very postmodern. Many artists would use found material to create a loose, arbitrary design of collage, similar to the Punk Movement. Many artists were influenced by past movements and techniques by older periods and this is what makes postmodernism so hard to define. It is a variety of styles and techniques often appropriating other works and that allow for wit, humour, irony or juxtaposition to challenge the viewer into rethinking their preconceived views. They tried the 'untried'. Artists like Wolfgang Weingart who embraced experimentation with layers, textures and collage.

http://artisticholicz.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/new-wave-2.jpg

The postmodern period saw many artists that have influence the contemporary society today. The movement are forever influencing each other and each new artists or designer has their own style. Because the Postmodern movement allowed for freedom many practices were explored and famous artists were produced. For an example, Morimura, he challenged the idea of the artist and the sitter by being both, and challenged the gender barrier in most of his artworks.