Postmodernism was an art movement characterised by doubt, deconstruction and the rejection of established modernist practices. Postmodernist art referenced the work of modernist artists and highlighted the advancement of technology and its uses in different media.

Modernism believed the photograph was a truthful document, postmodernism however, questioned the authenticity of photography and believed it to be a construct, influenced by audience interpretation. Cindy Sherman deconstructs the ideologies of modernism by referencing Hollywood characters through impersonation, in which, “the narrative is not real, but the viewer’s creation” (Robinson, 2011).The chosen photograph is my favourite from her ‘untitled film still’ collection as it reveals to me a strong, implied, feminist narrative.
The camera is positioned pointing up at the protagonist, which creates a sense of empowerment, further emphasised from her crossed arms and look of determination. The image reminds me of an old-fashioned Hollywood poster and I found the symmetrical nature of the image, aesthetically pleasing.

Another postmodernist photographer that inspires me is fashion photographer Nick Knight. I am strongly interested in fashion photography and Knight’s ‘skinhead’ work really captivated me – in particular, this seventies image. There are many things I love about this photograph, one being that it demonstrates attitude and rebellion, without saying a word.
It is trendy and thought provoking, raising the questions ‘who are these people?’, ‘what is there relationship’ – only a powerful photograph can do this. The gritty, hard edge nature of the image also deconstructs what we believe to be beautiful –which is a self-proclaimed aim of Knight’s work (The Independent, 2009). It is the kind of image I can imagine being in I-D magazine – a primary source of inspiration for me.

My growing appreciation for graphic design led me to the post-modernist works of David Carson, known for his “playful yet provoking, design approach” for Ray Gun magazine (Thirstycrow Magazine, 2010). This image encapsulates his famously grunge aesthetic and experimental use of typography – it is visually appealing and stimulating as it is fragmented and deconstructs the modernist norms of design. I am very much interested in editorial design and take great inspiration from his artistically innovative, method of creating.

Robinson, T. (2011) Cindy Sherman. Available at: https://tristonrobinson.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/cindy-shermans-untitled-film-stills-and-postmodernism/ (Accessed 12 November 2017).

The Independent (2009) The fabulous world of Nick Knight. Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/the-fabulous-world-of-nick-knight-1809790.html (Accessed 12 November 2017).

Thirstycrow Magazine (2010) Just curious: David Carson. Available at: https://studiothirstycrow.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/just-curious-david-carson/ (Accessed 12 November 2017).

PHOTO ONE: Sherman, C. (1980) Untitled film still 58. Available at: https://www.thebroad.org/art/cindy-sherman/untitled-film-still-58 (Accessed 12 November 2017).

PHOTO TWO: Knight, N. (Unknown) Untitled. Available at: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/e4/ac/37e4ac98d585d9f6bc86ca1918c4122c.jpg (Accessed 12 November 2017).

PHOTO THREE: Carson, D. (1993). Untitled. Available at: https://studiothirstycrow.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/just-curious-david-carson/ (Accessed 12 November 2017).