Exercise 7

Exercise 7. Modernism and Postmodernism


What is Modernism and Postmodernism?

In terms of graphic design Modernism is considered to be a style or a movement that aims to move away significantly from classical and traditional forms of art and design.    This movement came about during the time of the Industrial Revolution when designers felt that they had to change their traditional beliefs for them to be in accordance with modern ideas. This led to designs, which were once one-of-a-kind pieces, to being mass-produced with the advancement of technological processes.

Postmodernism came about the late 20th century and had sort to move away from modernism by making use of earlier styles and conventions and mixing different artistic styles and media that had once been rejected by modern artists and designers.

Here is a table listing some of the differences between Modernist and Postmodernist approaches, methods and values.   

Modernism


•    Clean
•    Simplicity
•    Minimalist
•    Original, blank slate
•    Whole and pristine. Has integrity.
•    Rejection of realism
•    Made use of form following function
•    Abstract
•    Logical and ordered




Postmodernism

•    Juxtaposition
•    Complexity
•    Realism
•    Appropriated, borrowed, making new form what’s old
•    Incomplete, damaged, broken, torn, scratched, stained, compromised
•    Untraditional
•    Holds no boundaries
•    Figurative
•    Illogical and disjointed