Portfolio Task 4 - Postmodernism

Postmodernism is essentially a reaction to the happenings of the modern era, it is characterised by complexity and an unapologetic mix of different styles. It also celebrates what otherwise may be thought of as kitsch and otherwise tacky. However due to its roots in questioning conventions it also questions the boundaries of communication and the legibility of text, in the eyes of the postmodern era ornament is not crime.


Wong, A (1980) "Women In Transition", http://gds.parkland.edu/gds/!lectures/history/1975/postmodern.html (30/62)

Here you can see the use of a traditional grid system but with the addition of a twist by splitting the text in half and altering its size in order to to distort it. It still reads and communicated appropriately but requires a little more than a first glance to see what the designer has done.


Greiman, A (1983) "Your Turn My Turn", http://gds.parkland.edu/gds/!lectures/history/1975/postmodern.html (23/62)

Here is use of the popular typeface helvetica, however it has been used in italics and also printed numerous times offset in different colours to give an image similar to that of a drop-shadow.


Poynor, R (2003) "No More Rules, Graphic Design and Postmodernism"http://static.letsbuyit.com/filer/images/uk/products/original/62/52/no-more-rules-graphic-design-and-postmodernism.jpeg

Here is use of various texts and colours overlapped, a convention that would normally be frowned upon in terms of communication but has been used here, interestingly enough the focus of the book is based around Graphic Design in relation to Postmodernism.


Klein, S (2006) "Folding poster about the work of Wolfgang Weingart" http://www.skrm.de/portfolio/wwfaltblatt.html

This poster shows use of left aligned text and a very formal gird layout, however it is overlaid with large green circles, again the content of the piece is about the work of Wolfgang Weingart and his approach to postmodern typography.


Carson, D (2011) "Little White Lies" http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/

Here is an example of text overlaying image, furthermore the islands within some of the letters are filled in, taking away from the initial communication of the text. However the overall design is stripped back to a simple black and white colour scheme.