It seems that the quote “Technology is the mortal enemy of art” from Russian artist Aleksander Rodchenko sounds like fearful rhetoric. Considering , however considering the technology-centric modernist principles of the Constructivist movement, this message was probably poised as a challenge to the traditional art landscape at the time.
Personally I can understand this bold statement being interpreted other both ways. The effect technology has on art will always be a double-edged sword. Advancements in technology and commercial invention constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in art and design as well as how it is consumed and interacted with which is great. On the other hand with the barrier to entry for artistic expression lowered and specifically the tools for graphic design available to anyone with a computer the world is saturated. In the world of design there existed many roles that today can be performed by one aspiring publisher or entrepreneur which can mean more work overall can be unleashed upon the world. The professional quality of which can vary wildly.
From the book ‘Just My Type’ by Simon Garfield I learned about the boost in freedom afforded to designers in the latter half of the 20th century. In one chapter it talks about how consumer products like Letraset lettering sheets empowered amateur designers to take full control over their typography, setting professional looking type in their own homes. Another chapter chronicles the inception and impact of the digital typeface Comic Sans and how its use by amateur designers has caused “revulsion or loathing” through misuse by unwitting amateurs.
Brandon Hutchins
Brandon Hutchins
Garfield, S. (2012). Just my type. New York: Gotham Books, pp.Chapters 1, 11.
Danchev, A. (2011) 100 Artists; Manifestos. London: Penguin Books.