Shepard Fairey
This week, one of my assignments is to write about design history. I was especially interested in 1920s Russian Suprematism and Constructivism. Although both art movements were after WWI and started in Russian, but I thought the artists/designers at that time were facing the similar changes as we have it now in USA.
Our country has slip into two majors political views:capitalism and socialism. Someone said, history repeats itself. Have you see some of the posters design lately? Certainly, the design style has been reapplied to this modern time, and the designer of this poster gave us a new layer of meaning behind it.
If you are new to the Russian art movements, let me give you a short introduction.
INTRODUCTION TO THE ERA
Looking back through the history of design, the 1920s (Industrial Society era) was a very interesting time in Russian history, as well as in design history. The1920s was the period of time that Russian artists divided into two ideological art movements: Suprematism and Constructivism.
Suprematism focuses on geometric forms and believes that the role of the artist should be to throw out the old order and conservative art. This movement was led by Kasimir Malevich. The suprematists devoted their effort to support the Red Army and the Bolsheviks, and produced massive propaganda posters.
Constructivism believes that the role of the artist is to serve the needs of society. Constructivists called on artists to stop producing useless things and advocated using art for practical applications. They devoted themselves to industrial design and visual communication. The movement, which was led by Vladimir Tatlin, later became one of the most influential ideologues for modern design.
The biggest patron for both art movements is Russian Government.
MOST INFLUENTIAL DESIGNER
One of the most influential designers in this time period was a Russian Jew, EL Lissitzky. He was a multi-talented artist, typographer, architect, and designer. He was one of the most important figures of the Russian avant garde. His famous designs included 1925 advertisement designs for Pelikan Industries; the 1926 exhibition room for the International Kunstausstellung art show in Dresden, and displays for the official Soviet pavilions at the international exhibitions; the 1927 All-Union Polygraphic Exhibit in Moscow; the 1928 Press Show, a pavilion design revolving around the theme of a film show in USSR.
Lissitzky often used drafting instrument construction and paste up to achieve his designs. One of the most influential graphic designs was the book The Isms of Art 1914-1924. In that book, he created the visual program for organizing information into a grid system, balancing white space, using halftones and large bold sans serif. He also explored the potential of montage and photomontage for complex communications messages.
STYLE
The style in this period often used bold color, bold and large sans serif font, diagonal axis, asymmetrical balance, and photomontage. More poster usage examples can be found at Bolchevisks.
Lissitzky
Rodchenko
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Some said, Shepard Fairey, the designer for the Obama Poster, challenges the traditional patriotic symbolism of the flag which has become and image of economic and military power that underlies this freedom we have. And both Fairey and Obama wanted to send a different message—a message of hope.
If you understand the history in that period, what do you think about the Obama’s Poster? While I was writing my little essay, it got me interested in the little symbol on the poster—”Obama’s icon”—the rising sun.
Obama Symbol
Some said, it looks like a Pepsi logo, what do you think? One thing is certain, this icon has been broadly used, and it is the first time in US history that we have created a brand for the US president, Barack Obama.
Check this youtube video. Whether you agreed or not, but you have to agree that we can’t ignore the power of design.
July 21st, 2010 on 9:43 pm
We are reliving the 1930s. If you look at contemporary political thought, the financial situation, and society in general it really is amazing how similar the periods are.
In the 30s we had the rise of socialists both domestically and abroad. In the case of Europe, we saw the rise of National Socialism which centered on government control and collusion with industry under a banner of self sacrifice for the national good.
In Eastern Europe and Asia we saw the rise of Communist Socialism which went a step further to make industry part of the government, but retained the message of the collective or country is more important to the individual.
In the US we saw the massive growth of government and expansion of it’s regulatory reach as a reaction to the Depression. In the US this socialism was viewed as more benevolent, but really had the same objective: subordination of individual rights and liberties to the government in exchange for government handouts (SSI, Medicare, Increased Taxation, etc).
In art this manifests itself in strong imagery of iconic leaders portrayed in bold colors and sharp contrasts. Government and leaders brand themselves in order to market their agenda to the masses. They are all powerful, awe inspiring and larger than life.
The world is divided into black and white, sharp edges, clear delineations. You are either right or you are wrong. You are either with them or against them.
Today we see our “benevolent leader” portrayed using this same imagery. He is strong, he is clearly defined, and he is branded. Buzz words are applied that are easy to say but hard to define…Hope, Change, Vision…
The imagery of the 30s told people to sacrifice for the common good. Forget your individual rights and your individual value. If you don’t do it, then you are on the other side, you are evil, you are wrong. This message is what is being sold today by the current ruling Junta of the US. Sacrifice for the country, pay for the care of others through higher taxes or else. Stop enjoying your life and thinking about yourself, think about the environment.
The mind control of the 30s was very effective, this is why it has been adopted by the socialists of today.
July 22nd, 2010 on 12:46 am
Thanks for reading my post. if you would like to follow me on twitter, my twttier account is http://twitter.com/charlotte_chang. I am planning to write the part II in the next few days. Hope to hear from you again.