Postmodernism

Postmodernism is said to have brought a new recognition of style itself over the course of two decades (from about 1970 – 1990). It's found to be perhaps the most controversial of all movements in the history of art and design. An unstable mix of the theatrical and theoretical, the era is said to defy definition, by fragmenting established ideas about style. Postmodernism is given the credit for liberating art and design through being a visually thrilling multifaceted style, ranging from colourful to the extravagant, the bizarre to the elaborate. It consists of gestures that are often amusing, sometimes provocative and occasionally peculiar. 1980’s saw the rise of postmodernism, contrasting with the utopian visions; simplicity and clarity. It became the ‘designer decade’ full of vivid colours, theatricality and exaggeration. Music and magazines were the most influential delivery systems. Italian designers –Studio Alchymia and Memphis – travelled round the world through publications like Domus. This was the moment of the new wave: a few thrilling years when image was everything. It’s said that Postmodernism tragically collapsed under the weight of its own success, alongside the world economies downfall. However, the effects of postmodernism are lingering and are still felt in the hyper-commodified situation of 21st-century design. “Hell hath no fury like a coolly received postmodernist.” David Foster Wallace

(1970–1990) 'V&A Postmodernism: Style & Subversion' [Online] Available at: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/p/postmodernism/ [Accessed: 26th March 2013]