Post-Modernist architecture is characterised by an eclectic style, cross-referencing both the historical and current. Whereas Modernist architecture is clean and minimalist, the opposite could be said for PM architecture which often features decorative and ornamental traits - veering away from the 'blandness' of Modernist design.
'Less is more' - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Modernist architect
'Less is a bore' - Robert Venturi's Post-Modernist response
the Portland Building (1982), Michael Graves
The Neue Staatsgalerie, James Stirling
ART
A key trait of Postmodern art is that it breaks down the barriers between fine art and pop culture, re-examining what is considered to be 'high art'. Again, eclecticism is a large aspect of Postmodern art as it lends from an array of time periods and influences, re-appropriating all of these various reference points and not always using them as they were originally intended to be.
Commercialism is another recurring theme which can also be seen in Pop Art (Andy Warhol's use of brands, Roy Lichtenstein's rehash of comic strips), and often acts as a critique on modern culture. Similarly, this type of art may also carry a sense of irony and parody.
A key trait of Postmodern art is that it breaks down the barriers between fine art and pop culture, re-examining what is considered to be 'high art'. Again, eclecticism is a large aspect of Postmodern art as it lends from an array of time periods and influences, re-appropriating all of these various reference points and not always using them as they were originally intended to be.
Commercialism is another recurring theme which can also be seen in Pop Art (Andy Warhol's use of brands, Roy Lichtenstein's rehash of comic strips), and often acts as a critique on modern culture. Similarly, this type of art may also carry a sense of irony and parody.
Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988), Jeff Koons
Blends a well-known pop culture icon with a lavish gold, baroque-style ornament. It's kitsch, over-the-top, and quite ugly. Pushing the boundaries of 'taste', and (mockingly?) painting Jackson as a God-like figure. This was made when the singer was at the height of his career.
DESIGN
I will just cover this section briefly as similar principles are more or less put into place. When it comes to Post-Modernism's impact on design, it can be said that the FUNCTION of design, and all of the qualities that were once deemed as 'good' design no longer apply. The boundaries of design have been pushed, and there are as many or as few rules as the designer wants there to be (depending on the product).
Things such as legibility, cohesion, uniformity, clarity, minimalism are no longer 100% necessary, which makes room for some particularly experimental outcomes. And as before, influences can be taken from anywhere and everywhere and combined to create different tones and aesthetics.
DESIGN
I will just cover this section briefly as similar principles are more or less put into place. When it comes to Post-Modernism's impact on design, it can be said that the FUNCTION of design, and all of the qualities that were once deemed as 'good' design no longer apply. The boundaries of design have been pushed, and there are as many or as few rules as the designer wants there to be (depending on the product).
Things such as legibility, cohesion, uniformity, clarity, minimalism are no longer 100% necessary, which makes room for some particularly experimental outcomes. And as before, influences can be taken from anywhere and everywhere and combined to create different tones and aesthetics.
Ray Gun magazine, David Carson
David Carson's graphic design work for Ray Gun could be viewed as Post-Modernist design, or atleast a product of that particular movement. All of the rules often associated with design have been completely disregarded; typeface, font size, legibility, composition, creating these chaotic, anarchic cover designs that reject all that has gone before it.
New Order 'Power, Corruption and Lies' (left), Joy Division 'Closer', Peter Saville
David Carson's graphic design work for Ray Gun could be viewed as Post-Modernist design, or atleast a product of that particular movement. All of the rules often associated with design have been completely disregarded; typeface, font size, legibility, composition, creating these chaotic, anarchic cover designs that reject all that has gone before it.
New Order 'Power, Corruption and Lies' (left), Joy Division 'Closer', Peter Saville
Peter Saville's graphic design work could also be classified as Post-Modern, as his work re-appropriates images from different cultural and historical contexts, placing them in a new setting. For example the classical image of the roses contrasts against the flat blocks of colour in the top right.
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