Module 9

For this reading we studied the latter half of the post modernist era of graphic design. What really spoke to me in these chapters was the explosion of poster design, from the highly political to the psychedelic mind warping of American poster mania. The creativity and the effect of past movements on the posters stood out to me. I was particularly drawn to the works of the artists Robert Wesley "Wes" Wilson. This poster for example.

The typography in the poster is so much more expressive and interesting than the clean, sterile look of the Swiss International style. This poster and the movement were about flowing line and playing with the shapes that one could make with typography.

There is a real influence from the art nouveau movement in his work. These two posters seem almost Mucha-like.

It's obvious to me that Alphonse Mucha's work had a rather large impact on Wes' style. The art nouveau line that takes place in much of the typography of the Psychadelic movement is taken a step further with the subject matter of the female form that appears in many of Wilson's posters.

It's also rather exciting to see poster art meant to encourage political activism. There is a quite inflammatory image that Wes produced in response to the Vietnam War.

The reminder to be AWARE I feel is an important one, for the times when we are not vigilant and allow ourselves to fall into complacency is when the meanest of us will take advantage.