Monday, 12 October 2015

History of Graphic Design

The history of graphic design was the subject of this week's lecture, which I thought was very interesting considering I have never done this subject before, and have no knowledge of this field.  This lecture introduced me to various artists who influenced and eventually created graphic design as we know it today.

Poster for the First Secession exhibition
c. 1910
Gustav Klimt
For example, Gustav Klimt was key to the emergence of the Secession movement in Vienna; this poster in particular caused controversy over its nude male model, requiring over-painted trees to cover certain areas. And above its entrance was placed the phrase "Der Zeit ihre Kunst. Der Kunst ihre Freiheit."- which translates as "To every age its art. To every art its freedom."
Secession artists were concerned, above all else, with exploring the possibilities of art outside the confines of academic tradition, in which they hoped to create a new style that was free of historical influence.

Tropon
1898
Henry van de Velde
Henry van de Velde focused on design and the designer, rather than as an artist, and was vital in the emergence of the Bauhaus in Weimar. This poster demonstrates strong leaning to Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau, integrating type and image in conjunction with elegant lines influenced by Glasgow School (circle of influential modern artists and designers who began to grow in Glasgow in 1870s).
Lengiz Books on all Subjects
1925
Alexander Rodchenko
And Alexander Rodchenko's composition of this poster was typical of his use of photomontage in the period (combination of photography and text). And it also reflects the ways in which he updated Russian advertising using geometric compositions and bright colours to trumpet modernity. While his designs were directed at promoting companies or products, it also endorsed goals of political revolutions of the time.

Through this introduction- it has made me knowledgeable of graphic design and appreciate where certain influences have come from different artists over the years.


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