In response to modernism, a movement that infiltrated our daily ways of living; anti design offers more personalized options for how you want to be living. Starting in the 1960’s at a time where globally tensions could be felt, the Vietnam war was in progress as well as the civil rights movement. People were raising their voices, rebelling agains the norms, breaking the rules and making themselves seen. This attitude is certainly reflected in anti-design theories and pieces. “Design is an art form, and creativity is defined by curiosity, exploration, and experimentation” (Over, 2020) A leading designer that really pushed the boundaries, delving deeper into a world of experimentation and curiosity is Ettore Sottsas, the founder of Memphis design group (ofcourse). Through the groups design, a space where new ways of thinking about objects was found. For example, take your everyday typical lamp, an object found in the average home, worldwide. Sottsass presented a more quirky, bold and “out there” option. He created innovative works through his ability to communicate with the observer and free from the dictates of the typical vision of design linked to its functionality. (Mattavelli,2018) ![]() Lamp Etorre Sottsass for memphis Lamp Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Although still revolutionary, Memphis design group place themselves a few years back in time, starting in 1980 and running for 7 years. In our current times, a new conversation can be had in reference to anti design, where its seen now, and what it could mean for us moving forward. Over the last decade, strict design methods have focused on usability above all else. Amongst many positive outcomes that this has brought, it has also led to homogeneity across the digital landscape. (99design team, 2021) and in contrast to Modernism, where the idea that objects should be permanent was loud, Anti-Design rebels felt objects should be temporary, constantly changing and being replaced by something more functional.(99design team, 2021) With the rise of digital technology, and the fast paced, constant remodeling it can offer, creatives can delve into corners of curiosity, exploration, and experimentation. For example, Hotdog, a magazine that aims to “challenge the gender discrepancy in literature and art, blurring the space between creativity and consumption, they publish work that pushes boundaries, bringing truth, pain and laughter to the page.” (Conery, Taylor, 2021) In doing so they break design rules, transforming into a visual emotional experience. “Readers and publishers are hungry for mags that challenge convention and offer a more authentic experience” (Jamieson, 2016) Hotdog magazine issue one Swiss designer Boris Dennler has developed a playful, unique and personal form of design. Released through BorisLab, Dennler has transformed the functions of objects into new, unusual and outstanding pieces. The anti-trendy/anti-design object “is alive in the sense that it is made to develop in accordance with human life—by either being alterable or perishable” (Oro editions) with our increasing need to be more sustainable, designers are being pushed to think of materials and objects in new ways. Transforming the unusable old into the usable new, BorisLab reflects an attitude of anti design by embracing sustainability & upcycling. BorisLab radiator chair & Radiator Vase BorisLab Concrete & old Jaguar XJ40 table
I would say that in terms of digital art or printed matter that begins as a digital design, artists are thirsting for new, expressive, rule-bending designs and drifting further from clean design and the strictly measured. In terms of usable objects, furniture & architecture it can be seen as a response to our increasing need for revolutionary thinking in regards to our dying world; anti mass consumption & pro alternative functionality & aesthetic. But also serves as a vessel for personal expression in design and a range of choices expressing character for the consumer. Words by Adila Montijano (merXury) Bibliography Borislab.com. 2021. ABOUT. https://borislab.com/about/ Hill, B., 2021. The girl power zines to read this month. Dazed. https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/29843/1/the-girl-power-zines-to-read-this-month Madewithover.com. 2021. Over's 2020 Trend #6 Anti Design. Available at: https://www.madewithover.com/trends-copy/anti-design Mattavelli, C., 2021. Ettore Sottsass and his revolutionary design. Theinteriordesign.it. https://www.theinteriordesign.it/en/article/ettore-sottsass-and-his-revolutionary-design/1605 99designs. 2021. 12 inspiring graphic design trends for 2022. https://99designs.co.uk/blog/trends/graphic-design-trends/ Conery, M. and Taylor, M., 2021, hotdog magazine, The Dots. https://the-dots.com/projects/hotdog-magazine-306932 Jamieson, R., 2021. The New Wave of Anti-design Magazines Will Question Your Sense of Taste—and That’s a Good Thing. Eye on Design https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/the-new-wave-of-anti-design-magazines-will-question-your-sense-of-taste-and-thats-a-good-thing ORO Editions. 2021.Anti-trend. https://www.oroeditions.com/product/anti-trend Cited with the help of https://www.citethisforme.com/ Pixs Lamp michele de lucchini for memphis https://www.pamono.co.uk/oceanic-table-lamp-by-michele-de-lucchi-for-memphis-1980s/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PLA_UK_9503157503_98373141298&utm_content=421123749801_c_&utm_term=pla-318690695921___TJQ-433101&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzfuNBhCGARIsAD1nu-9s_UwpsiQnxjOJklf3UCVqC1J-gL8zNmBmd2wQmSut_5lkXoM4CDMaAk2dEALw_wcB Lamp etorre sottsass for memphis https://www.pamono.co.uk/table-lamp-by-ettore-sottsass-for-memphis-1980s-3/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PLA_UK_9503157503_98373141298&utm_content=421123749801_c_&utm_term=pla-318690695921___CXZ-1066964&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzfuNBhCGARIsAD1nu-9QIXBQctZggtjO1VkvnoLZRgooxat6e4CYBi3duM9eAbwPW4w3JMwaArlmEALw_wcB Hotdog magazine https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/29843/1/the-girl-power-zines-to-read-this-month https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/the-new-wave-of-anti-design-magazines-will-question-your-sense-of-taste-and-thats-a-good-thing Boris lab heater chair https://www.upcycledzine.com/heater-seat-chair-upcycled-radiator-furniture-by-borislab/ Boris lab vase & table https://borislab.com/portfolio/plaque-en-beton-sur-jaguar-ecrasee-2016/
1 Comment
sarah temple
1/6/2022 06:02:33 am
You have tapped into a very key new philosophy here - suggesting that laughter and playfulness for designer and consumer becomes a key USP - suggesting that originality, usability and bespoke products are most valued. Add in creativity using found objects and you ensure market in the future with is both sustainable and anit-trend. An excellent key philosophy for you developing practice Adila - keep Harper's "Anti-Trend" writing very close.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
February 2023
Categories |