The postmodernism art movement developed as a departure from modernism, which was wide-spread since the early 20th century. It was around the 1960s where postmodernism took place; it was used to express changes and challenges to do with beliefs and structures around western society.
This first postmodernist piece of art is an acrylic painting by artist Roy Lichtenstein, “Whaam!”. What caught my attention about this piece initially was how Lichtenstein uses of line; the thickness of the lines are very striking giving off this comic book look which has a softer and more fun tone. The tone fits with how Lichtenstein likes to create, using commercial sources or advertisements that might contain emotional material; he would like to draw over them. Later he would do this through paint; creating powerful pieces through this medium causing onlookers to understand the deeper meanings.
The next postmodernist work is a screen-printing by Shepard Fairey, “Power and Equality”. Many of Shepard Fairey’s designs have a strong resemblance to original constructivism posters, designs that carried ideals of people’s true expression. With this design comes a powerful message and that’s what initially caught my attention. Through printmaking the artist illustrates the black community of the 60s through this woman, she is depicted looking strong and independent, her eyes envisioning a future where a promised equality can be held. The eye-catching colours drew me into this design and because of the use of reds contrasting strongly with the blacks I almost felt like the message being carried within the colours. “The way I make art – the way a lot of people make art – is as an extension of language and communication” said by Shepard Fairey, this is very much in the way I want my art to be also, to translate meaning messages.
Lastly I have work from designer David Carson. Well known for his Ray Gun magazine covers this design like many others caught my attention through the use of typography. The types layout is very unconventional whilst being very creative at the same time and keeping this minimal esthetic. Overall a fun and lively way to design type.
Bibliography:
Roy Lichtenstein “Whaam!”, (1963) :Â http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/lichtenstein-whaam-t00897
Shepard Fairey “Power and Equality”, (2007) :Â http://www.artnet.com/artists/shepard-fairey/power-and-equality-DyjglHAejqMXtw7EhXJW6w2
Shepard Fairey ““The way I make art – the way a lot of people make art – is as an extension of language and communication” : https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/shepard_fairey_624136
David Carson “Ray Gun – Sweet Jane’s” cover, (1997) :Â https://janesaddiction.org/gallery/articles/raygun-sweet-janes-november-1997/