Case Studies

RAY JOHNSON

• Subversive aesthetic, range of visual sources, contrasting visual material, using found imagery, disregards rules of form, perspective, accuracy. Creates assemblages out of materials that could be seen as throw-away, disposable.

• Subversive communication methods. Mail art, New York Correspondence School, public distribution, collaboration, involving the public, taking art to the streets as opposed to only existing in a museum. 

• His art is purely subversive - transforming expendable, everyday objects into sacred artifacts that are regarded as pieces of art today. Letters, envelopes, magazine cut-outs, cigarette boxes, general trash. Elevating these mundane materials, subverting what is traditionally considered art - using cheap, readymade assets.

LIMNER JOURNAL

• Non-linear structure, content isn't organised in a typical fashion. Articles aren't always written on consecutive pages, often interrupted by images, or cut-off mid sentence. 

• Aesthetically subversive - e.g. issue 3 doesn't have a clear title placed at the top of the page, or a subheading, or a price attached. A list of artist names are choppily listed on the cover, which at a first glance make no sense if those names are unknown to you.

• This issue in particular celebrates self-authored work, which possesses a sketchbook-like quality, rough around the edges, not glossy, finalised illustrations. Scanned pencil drawings on scraps of paper take up full page spreads, images from collaborators appear one after the other with little to no context or information about what the images are about.

• Primarily image based, however articles and critical texts are attached via smaller pieces of paper in the middle of various pages. No need for highlighting 'THIS IS AN ARTICLE' 'THIS IS AN IMAGE TO ACCOMPANY IT' 'THIS IS THE CONTENTS PAGE', lack of headings, page numbers, etc.

PUNK FLYERS (+ FANZINES)

• Subversive in terms of their aesthetic and their content - no attention given to legibility, clarity, form, composition. Very intuitive design processes, not thought out too much. Created with amateur materials, in an amateurish way. No professionalism or expensive materials or equipment - scissors, glue, a photocopier, bound with staples or safety pins.

• Subversive in their function - fanzines, posters, homemade newspapers discussing favourite bands and concerts, underground fashion, politics, personal reflections. Not about commercial success or gaining a wider public following. Self-indulgent, from a place of personal interest.

Others?

TOYNBEE TILES

DADAISM

POLISH POSTER ART