Design in a Nutshell: Post Modernism

Post Modernism began in the 1970's when many people were starting to lose faith in the survival and force of Modernism. During the 20th century, it had been Modernist's best aim to take on board the 'Less is More' approach towards design and while doing so, to create a better world that was inspired by science and universal truths. However, many Post Modernists saw the concept of 'Less is More' in a different way and actually believed it was boring and had been out-grown.
Post-Modernists believed that having many references and subjects behind a piece of art would make it more exciting and interesting with the intention of challenging their audiences and forcing them to ask questions about the theme of the paintings.

One example of the post-modernist architectural influence is the Las Vegas strip which identifies itself with many different cultures, styles and nationalities to embed something rather diverse and untraditional into the American society.


However, along with many of the different creative movements that took place in the 19th and 20th century, Post Modernism had it's critiques. Many people believed that there was no real necessity for exaggerated ornamentation and decoration of regular objects and art work. Although many people shared this similar thought process, mass media helped Post- modernism further itself as it interconnected the world like never before due to the multi-culturalism and hybridity of styles that the post-modernists believed in and were forcing at a rapid speed. Furthermore, the movement was seen to have been liberating and one that brought dynamism to the expressive and artistic world. Even to this day post-Modernism has affected the way many films are directed, the subjects of art or the way artists perform during their concerts. One artist who takes on the force of post- modernism and uses it to her advantage within her costumes and performances is Lady Gaga. This is because in the past few years Gaga's performances have confused, surprised and excited everyone without fail to enforce concepts that politically, philosophically and creatively have empowered people.

Famous Post-Modern artists

Christo and Jeanne Claude
Christo and Jeanne Claude were an artistic couple who presented environmentalist values within their large 3-D scaled and usually outdoors work.

Running Fence drawing 1972-1976           
                                                                                                                                                                          

Running Fence
Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76

Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin is another post-modernist artist who is known for her auto-biographical and exposed work that communicates shocking subjects in the formation of paintings, sculptures, photography, neon text and film.

Tracey Emin's 'My Bed' 1998

Banksy
Although Banky's real identity is unknown, he still manages to publically display satirical propaganda through art and graffiti to communicate activating messages of social, political and economical affairs in society.

Mobile Lovers

Kissing Coppers


The Queen as Ziggy Stardust

Cindy Sherman (photographer)
Cindy Sherman is an American photographer who uses herself as a muse in her portraiture work where she poses as characters and creates narratives to translate a vision of different identities

Installation 2010

2000

1989

Film Still 1978