Tag: design cultures

  • Western Graphic Design Movements

    Western Graphic Design Movements

    Design Movements

    • Art Deco

      Art Deco

      Art Deco, or Deco, first appeared in France after World War I and flourished internationally in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The style is often characterized by rich colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation. Its popularity waned after World War II. 

    • Art Nouveau

      Art Nouveau

      Art Nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art – especially the decorative arts – that was most popular during 1890–1910.  Art Nouveau is known as Jugendstil  in Germany, Modern in Russia,  Modernisme in Catalonia,  Secession in Austria-Hungary and Stile Liberty in Italy.

    • Bauhaus

      The Bauhaus was founded in 1919 in the city of Weimar by German architect Walter Gropius (1883–1969). Its core objective was a radical concept: to reimagine the material world to reflect the unity of all the arts. Other visual artists included  Paul Klee, Vasily Kandinsky and Josef Albers.

    • Constructivism

      Constructivism

      Constructivism was primarily an art and architectural movement originating in Russia after World War 1. It rejected the idea of art for arts’ sake and the traditional bourgeois class of society to which previous art had been catered. Instead it favoured art as a practise directed towards social change or that would serve a social…

    • Dada

      Dada or Dadaism was an art movement of the European avant-garde in the early 20th century. The movement primarily involved visual arts, literature, poetry, art manifestos, art theory, theatre, and graphic design, and concentrated its anti-war politics through a rejection of the prevailing standards in art through anti-art cultural works.

    • Futurism

      Futurism

      Futurism (Italian: Futurismo) was an artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. It emphasized speed, technology, youth, and violence, and objects such as the car, the aeroplane, and the industrial city. It glorified modernity and aimed to liberate Italy from the weight of its past.

    • International Swiss Style

      International Swiss Style

      The International Typographic Style, also known as the Swiss Style, is a graphic design style that emerged in Russia, the Netherlands and Germany in the 1920s and developed by designers in Switzerland during the 1950s. The International Typographic Style has had profound influence on graphic design as a part of the modernist movement, impacting many…

    • Modernism

      Modernism in design and architecture emerged in the aftermath of the First World War and the Russian Revolution – a period when the artistic avant-garde dreamed of a new world free of conflict, greed and social inequality. It was not a style but a loose collection of ideas.

    Other design movements forthcoming posts

    Expressionism

    Expressionist woodcuts

    Post-modernism

    Surrealism

    Impressionism

    Designhistory.org (Western design only)

  • Feminist Design

    Feminist Design

    NOTE: Post for significant development 2025

    Feminist art and design

    • What were the social and political conditions that made these artists communicate in the ways they did?
    • How is this demonstrated in their work?
    • How did these artists establish their own artistic
      identity?

    “I have had to go to men as sources in my painting because the past has left us so small an inheritance of woman’s painting that had widened life….Before I put a brush to canvas I question, “Is this mine? Is it all intrinsically of myself? Is it influenced by some idea or some photograph of an idea which I have acquired from some man?”

    Georgia O’Keefe
    http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/modern/Georgia-OKeeffe.html

    For an interview with Georgia O’Keefe visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwKRVJaNEA

    What is feminism?

    Some people have found it helpful to think about the history of the feminist movement in terms of first, second and third waves. Broadly speaking, these are:

    • First wave – from the formation of the National Women’s Society for Women’s Suffrage in 1867 to full female enfranchisement in the UK in 1928.
    • Second wave – from the feminist movements associated with the American civil rights movement of the early 1960s to equality legislation in the UK in the 1970s.
    • Third wave – from the 1980s to the present day, more about social and political change than legislative change.

    http://www.ehow.com/facts_4910333_history-feminist-art-movement.html

    For further research

    https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/f/feminist-art

    https://www.vermeulen-design.com/blog/feminism-graphic-design

    https://www.antalis.co.uk/home/what-we-do/print/news-events/latest-news/2022/03/design-for-good-force-feminism.html

    https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/how-feminist-movements-co-opt-graphic-design-to-express-themselves

    https://futuress.org/stories/canon-misbound

    https://saraoliveirablender.wordpress.com/2016/11/25/primary-research-feminism-in-graphic-design/

    Hannah Höch (1889–1978)

    Tamara de Lempicka (1898–1980)

    Frida Kahlo (1907–54).

    Sketchdesk 2024: The undeniable impact of women in design

    These 15 female graphic designers didn’t just break barriers. They reshaped the landscape of graphic design with their lifelong commitments to creativity, innovation, and vision. Ivy Croteau March 7, 2024

    Paula Scher

    Paula Scher is a trailblazer in the world of graphic design, known for her bold and eclectic style. As a partner at Pentagram, she worked on iconic projects like the rebranding of Citibank and Microsoft Windows. As a designer, Scher’s innovative approach to typography and branding earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her place as one of the most influential female graphic designers of our time.

    Carolyn Davidson

    Carolyn Davidson is best known for her creation of the iconic Nike “Swoosh” logo. Her minimalist yet impactful design became synonymous with the global sportswear brand, showcasing her innate ability to capture the essence of a company through visual identity.

    Jane Davis Doggett

    Jane Davis Doggett made history as the first woman to design signage for a major airport – the iconic Miami International Airport. Her innovative use of color and typography transformed airport way-finding systems, setting a new standard for environmental graphic design.

    Jessica Walsh

    Jessica Walsh is a design powerhouse, known for her vibrant and experimental approach to graphic design. Co-founder of the creative agency Sagmeister & Walsh, she worked with major brands such as Levi’s and The New York Times. As a designer, Walsh’s bold and imaginative designs continue to push the boundaries of visual communication.

    Susan Kare

    Susan Kare is a pioneer in the field of digital iconography. In the height of her career, she designed many of the original icons for the Apple Macintosh computer. Her pixel art designs, including the iconic “Happy Mac” and “Command Key,” are ingrained in pop culture, cementing her influence on user interface design.

    Jessica Hische

    Jessica Hische is a lettering artist and typographer renowned for her intricate and elegant designs. Her work spans branding, book covers, and editorial design, with clients including Wes Anderson and Penguin Books. As a designer, Hische’s dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail earned her widespread acclaim in the design community.

    Leta Sobierajski

    Leta Sobierajski is a multidisciplinary designer known for her bold and unconventional approach to visual communication. Her playful use of color and texture challenges traditional design conventions, resulting in dynamic and engaging work across print and digital platforms.

    Louise Fili

    Louise Fili is a master of typographic design, celebrated for her exquisite craftsmanship and vintage-inspired aesthetics. With a career spanning over four decades, she created iconic branding and packaging designs for clients like Tiffany & Co. and the New York Public Library.

    Marian Bantjes

    Marian Bantjes is celebrated for her intricate and ornamental typographic designs that blur the line between illustration and lettering. Characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and whimsical aesthetic, her work garners admiration from designers worldwide.

    Bea Feitler

    Bea Feitler was a pioneering art director and graphic designer whose work revolutionized the world of editorial design. As art director for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and Rolling Stone, she brought a bold and innovative approach to magazine layout and design, shaping the visual landscape of the 1960s and 70s.

    April Greiman

    April Greiman is a visionary designer known for her groundbreaking work in digital design and new media. A pioneer of the “New Wave” design movement, she embraced technology to create dynamic and interactive design experiences. Greiman’s innovative approach continues to inspire designers to push the boundaries of traditional graphic design.

    Deborah Sussman

    Deborah Sussman was a prolific designer whose colorful and exuberant designs helped define the visual identity of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Her bold use of color and geometric forms brought a sense of joy and vibrancy to the Olympic experience, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of environmental graphic design.

    Cipe Pineles

    Cipe Pineles was a groundbreaking female art director and designer, breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of editorial design. As the first female art director at Conde Nast, she played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of publications such as Vogue and Glamour, paving the way for future generations of female art directors.

    Zuzana Licko

    Zuzana Licko is a pioneering type designer and co-founder of the digital type foundry Emigre. Her experimental approach to typography challenged traditional design norms, leading to the creation of groundbreaking typefaces that revolutionized the industry. Licko’s innovative designs continue to influence contemporary typography and graphic design.

  • Islamic Design

    Islamic Design

    • Colour in Islamic Traditions

      Colour in Islamic Traditions
    • Islamic geometric design

      Islamic geometric design
    • Islamic calligraphy

      Islamic calligraphy

    Modern Islamic Art

    Iran

    Iranian art: Miniatures

    Qalamkar (traditional woodblock printing in Farsi)

    Shahname by Firdausi: miniatures of Ancient Iran

    Iranian Art: Modern

    Siamak Filizadeh

    Shahname in Modern Iranian Art

    Ghalamdar

    Street Artist Ghalamdar Street Artist article

    Mansur Qandriz

    Blind

    http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/qandriz-mansur

    Oman

    Oman traditional art inspiration

    The Arabic Letter Series

    Alia Alfarsi
    Dr Hanan Al Shihi

    Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabian art includes both the arts of Bedouin nomads and those of the sedentary peoples of regions such as the Hejaz, Tihamah, Asir and the Najd. There is also a vibrant modern art scene in major cities highlighting social issues, with a number of prominent women artists.

    Architecture

    Interior Mosque al Nabawi
    Interior Mosque al Nabawi

    The first mosque of Islam was the house of the Islamic prophet Mohammed in Medina. It is the prototype of all later sacred architecture of Islam. In it are most important the floor and carpet that are touched in prayer with the head.

    Bedouin art

    Saudi Rock art

    Tribal symbols referred to as “wusum” were carved by Bedouins during prehistoric times and are found as rock art in the hills and deserts of Arabia.

    Modern Art Movement

    The Art Movement in Saudi Arabia started in the mid 60’s by a group of School Art Teachers and lasted till mid 80’s. Prince Khalid Al Faisal, himself a poet and artist, inaugurated a cultural centre in Asir Province to promote young fresh talent. It was from this project that one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent contemporary artists, Ahmed Mater, emerged. In 1972 Mohammed Said Farsi became the mayor of the coastal city of Jeddah, making the city one of the largest open-air art galleries in the world. Artists incorporated media outlets such as photography and video technology.

    Recently, there has been an increase in public galleries exhibiting modern art in Saudi Arabia. This supported by the influx of commercial galleries and a growing grass-roots movement of artists who have acquired international status.

    United Arab Emirates

    Archaeological motifs

    Motifs from perfume bottles found at Tel Abrak
    El Hafit tombs

    Modern Art

    Myneandyours
    National Day lips: Sisters Beauty Lounge is located in five prestigious locations throughout the country: Al Bateen Abu Dhabi, The Village Mall in Jumeirah, The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, and the Mall of the Emirates.

    article Hazem Mahdy automatic art

    Hazem Mahdy Atman 2 automatic art
    Hazem Mahdy Atman 3
  • African Design forthcoming

    African Design forthcoming

    A history of African art (not graphic design contrary to the title) is:

    http://guity-novin.blogspot.nl/2010/03/history-of-graphic-design-african-art.html

    Interesting websites with artists are:

    Feature image generated in Adobe Illustrator AI: African colourful geometric design – after several iterations

    There is no Wikipedia on African Graphic Design!!!

    A Google search for African typefaces tend to be rather kitsch zebras and unusable. Not the typefaces more commonly used in Africa – these are the common Adobe and Microsoft ones. But African designers have used these with colours in slightly different ways that I have yet to properly analyse.

    !!Many images from my own travels to be inserted here.

    Textile designs

    Zulu House Pattern
    Zulu House Pattern
    Julio Senna, Brazilian inspired by Africa
  • Japanese Design forthcoming

    • Japanese Calligraphy forthcoming

      Overview of Japanese calligraphy forthcoming.


    • Zen Aesthetics and Art

      Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on simplicity and the importance of the natural world generated a distinctive aesthetic, which is expressed by the terms wabi and sabi. influenced by Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, particularly acceptance and contemplation of the imperfection, constant flux and impermanence of all things.


    • Japanese Colour Theories

      The traditional colours of Japan are a collection of colours traditionally used in Japanese art, literature, textiles such as kimono, and other Japanese arts and crafts. Standardisation of the Japanese colour wheel was conducted around 600AD and western recognition of it was as late as the mid-19th century, because Japan was largely secluded from the rest of the globe until that time.  …


    Cross between Zen minimalism, off-centre balance and Pokemon playfulness with very crowded collage.

    https://designschool.canva.com/blog/japanese-design/

    http://gurafiku.tumblr.com

    For more on my study of Japanese design, art and illustration see my post on my Illustration blog: Japanese Styles