Avant-Garde Manifesto

Armstrong, Helen. Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009. Pages 19-31.

Question/Prompts

  • What common views do these artists/designers share and where might they disagree?
  • Which elements of these texts remain relevant for the present, and which elements are problematic? 
  • Using visual examples from the Futurists and Constructivists, present the ways that political and economic power can be expressed through visual design.
  • How has the communication process changed since the early 20th Century, specifically with regard to “feedback” and “noise”?

Reading Responce 3

The common view that these artists and designers share is that they all want to have a sense of change in their new work and to drift away from the old whether it be changing their title to constructors or just wanting to leave behind the old that is what is similar. But what they disagree on is the way they approach change. Marinetti wanted to change through the mean of destruction. While Rodchenko wanted to change the mindset of artist and designer to one of the constructors. And Lissitzky was about the future and how technology can develop designs.

The elements from the text that remain relevant to the present are the view on futurism and how it is ever continuing as technology advances so does design as it becomes less intricate and more accessible. Also, the idea is that design is a tool and can be used as a tool for all citizens. Some elements that don’t remain relevant to the present are the idea of destruction whether it be of the old teaching and working of the past or the support of destruction in general.

Futurists and Constructivists were used to expressing political and economic power through visual design by presenting us with strong designs like the “Books” piece by Alexander Rodchenko which implied that they seek to learn and develop.

The communication process has changed since the early 20th century as technology has developed meaning there is more “noise” and “feedback” as there is now an online presence that is developed if you are a designer as more people are able to see your concept and comment on them. Not only that but your design is able to reach people across the globe meaning just more comments in general. 

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