Postmodernism is a movement within design which is ‘a reaction against modernism…used to describe challenges and changes to established structures and belief systems’ (http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/postmodernism, 2017).

Wolfgang Weingart is said to be the ‘ “the father” of Swiss Punk Typography”(http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/the-age-of-information/postmodern-design/538-wolfgang-weingart, 2017). This style, also known as the New Wave, ‘combined traits of Swiss Modernism, Postmodern contrasts and harmonies and lots of geometric shapes and isometric patterns’ (Heller, 2006). This piece of his work show’s how he broke the traditional traits of Swiss type. He spreads his work over the whole of the page, unlike the neat and precise work of traditional Swiss type. Punk subculture was at it’s prime when Weingart was creating his type. Sociologist Dick Hebdige studied the Punk subculture and stated that subcultural fashions ‘have intentional communications with deliberate rebellious revolting style’ (Hebdige 1979). Weingart can be seen to having the same attitude within his design, he ‘rebelled against the minimalism’ (McCoy, 1990). I like Weingart’s work as he broke tradition and elements of his work are still seen today, such as random positioning and the use of geometric shapes.

Ed Fella is graphic designer who has been named the ‘pioneer of postmodern graphic design’ (Carducci, 2007). He creates posters with bright colours and creative shapes/ fonts. He also, like Weingart, broke the traditions of minimalistic structured design, ‘by battering and mixing fonts, engaging in visual puns and generally violating the tenets of “good design” ‘ (Carducci, 2007). His work shown here showcases his use of vibrant colours. Fella “makes visable the post modernist concept of deconstruction (Caducci, 2007)’, by showing how there is two ways of looking at something; through the use of design.

Keith Harring is a graphic designer who died of AIDS in 1990. His work ‘often addressed political and societal themes’ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Haring, 2017), especially promoting the fight against AIDS towards the end of his life. In terms of postmodernism, Harring wasn’t afraid to ‘provoke conversation on controversial topics’ (https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/an-analysis-of-postmodernism-works-of-artist-keith-haring-francis-bacon-and-barbara-kruger-dx5OjH4Z, 2017). He uses his signature style of ‘heavily outlined figures with no race or gender’ (https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/an-analysis-of-postmodernism-works-of-artist-keith-haring-francis-bacon-and-barbara-kruger-dx5OjH4Z, 2017). The bright colours used are not only eyecatching but allowed Harring to establish ‘that depicting serious issues could be fun or at least lively when communicated through highly cartoony images and fresh vivid choices of colors’ (http://www.theartstory.org/artist-haring-keith.htm, 2017), allowing him to reveal and promote help towards personal issues within his life.

-http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/postmodernism (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/the-age-of-information/postmodern-design/538-wolfgang-weingart (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-Heller, S (2016) New Wave, New Technology, New Typography. Available at http://www.printmag.com/daily-heller/new-wave-new-technology-new-typography/ (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-Hebdige, D (1979) Subculture: The Meaning of Style. Routledge
-McCoy, K (1990) American Graphic Design Expression. Available at http://www.highgrounddesign.com/mccoy/km2.htm (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Weingart (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Wave_(design) (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-IMAGE 1 – Weingart, W 1974 Available at http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/the-age-of-information/postmodern-design/538-wolfgang-weingart (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-Carducci, V (2007) Ed Fella Biography. Available at https://www.aiga.org/medalist-edfella (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Fella (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Haring (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-IMAGE 2 – Fella, E http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/the-age-of-information/postmodern-design/538-wolfgang-weingart (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/an-analysis-of-postmodernism-works-of-artist-keith-haring-francis-bacon-and-barbara-kruger-dx5OjH4Z (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-https://nursingclio.org/2013/12/03/visual-campaigns-against-aids-then-and-now/ (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-http://www.theartstory.org/artist-haring-keith.htm (Accessed 12th November 2017)
-IMAGE 3 – Harring, K 1989, Ignorance = Fear. Available at http://www.printmag.com/interviews/words-and-images-on-ed-fella/ (Accessed 12th November 2017)