General Topics

Visual Culture

Visual culture is the focus on cultural meaning of art culture and art history.
With the influence of technology growing rapidly, it heavily influences the medium in which visual culture is accepted. Visual Culture can be defined as the process that determines how information, meaning or pleasure is accepted by consumers in forms of media such as magazines, the internet and television. The main importance of visual vulture is the relationship that develops between images and consumers that are evaluated for their cultural significance.


Global Village




Global Village is also known as the internet. As technology has a great influence in daily society, people have argued the positive and negative aspects of the Global Village, such as reduction of social bounds. It also allows people to interact with each other from great distances and different parts of the world. Although it has been criticized for the breakdown of human interaction, it also has the ability to allow people of different cultural heritage to draw from each others experience and expression. It has increased the speed of communication, allowing for the spread of information to a larger target audience. A result of this is that awareness can  be raised on various topics quickly and efficiently.


Postmodernism

Towards the end of the Modernism Movement the experimentation of principals and styles that were evident in Modernism began losing precision and limitations. A merging of consumerism and Modernism culture  among other things created its own tradition, ironically since the Modernist era was based on denying tradtion. This formed a new foundation from which Postmodernism was born.

Postmodernism created art that pursued new direction, that was beyond  culture and accepted Modernist practices, creating new mediums and explored life in whatever method the artist preffered. This gave shape to brilliant artwork which clashed with Modernist ideals.

There is also the perspective of artwork, Modernist artwork tend to contain meaning within to its context and gravity, where as Postmodernist art leaves the viewer to interpret the art based on their experience. 

The Key Elements of Modernism and Postmodernism

This is a list of comparisons with key words used to describe the difference between Modernism and Postmodernism 

MODERNISM

• symbolic
• universal
• symbolism
• legibility 
• essential form
• progress
• responsibility to society
• geometric
• balance
• structure
• minimalist
• harmony
• clarity
• functionality
• efficient
• legible
• perfection
• abstract

POSTMODERNISM

• complicated
• clutter
• inconsistent
• unpredictable
• self-indulgent
• engage with design
• figurative
• reworking
• juxtapose
• eclectic
• competitive
• eccentricity
• nihilism
• concept of personality
• retro
• pragmatic
• intuitive
• expressive
• experimental

Pulse

Pulse is a metaphor that symbolizes the sphere of influence of technology on human beings. The focus of a powerful Wireless signal that releases an artificially generated 'ghost' which drains way human  will to live. The main connection between the "ghosts"and humans are the apparent technological connection which humans have become dependent on.

Kronik's interpretation of Sonzero's Pulse:
  
Kronik attempts to highlight the reduction of human control and interaction which is being replaced by technology . This can be seen to impact negatively on society, causing loss of social communication and of humanity. .Kronik argues that the roles of controller and controlled are being switched over time, stemming from the increase of technology dependency. This also shows how humans have adapted technology to be integrated into society.

South African Conceptual Design

This picture highlights South Africa's poaching problem. African has many endangered species which fall prey to myth and misguided information, which results in them being hunted for appendages or n hides. This design delivers it message efficiently, by depicting a rhino horn strapped to the head of a zebra, emphasis is placed on the fact rhinos are an endangered species and can not be replaced. This also draws the comparison between the attitude  towards endangered and non-endangered species.

 

This Image addresses the danger of wildfires and human negligence.In this image the WVS attempts to draw attention to the fact that animals are just as in danger from wildfires as humans.The animal depicted is small and vulnerable, portraying the defenselessness of animals faced with wildfire. The Matchsticks represent fire and are often the cause of wildfires and their use here makes us aware that wildfires can damage more than trees. The matchsticks scattered around the animal also serve as a reminder of how human negligence can have a negative effect on the environment.

 In image,the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence confronts the issues of drinking during pregnancy. The image attempts to enlighten the audience that the damage done by prenatal alcoholism doesnt always appear in early life, and its manifestation in later life may include dire side effects. The SANCA logo is placed within a sonar picture to further emphasis the dangers of prenatal alcoholism. The depiction o f a young man lying in a prison cell paints a picture of a grim future and an even more horrifying life story. The entire image is dirty and has grunge elements to depict the darker nature of the image.

First Things First Manifesto

The first idea that came to my attention from this manifesto is that designers are taught that advertising of products and services are the main focus of design.Its because of the application of skills in that area which have led to a perception of design by society.   It also states that advertising is the primary focus of design. This catorgorizes design as a socially useful tool for communication. Social matters such as drugs, pollution, global warming, etc. are important things that people should know about, and can be made aware through advertising.



 http://www.emigre.com/Editorial.php?sect=1&id=14

The Incomplete Manifesto for Growth

In this manifesto Bruce Mau states that:

1. growth is based on the individual's desire to grow by an individuals willingness to grow. He also states that grown is inspired by the exploration of every day experiences. 
2. He encourages people to forsake mediocrity, by saying that as long as you stick to the path of familiarity, essential growth will never take place.
3.  In the creation of a final product, the steps leading up to it are just as important as the final product. Work as a team to better your growth and final product.
4. Experiments are a good way to discover something new, it is where we experience trial and error and makes us better our solutions.
5. Failure should not be seen in negativity and  mistakes must not be feared as this is an integral part of learning, but learning must take place in order to get work done. 
6. In everyday life, a person shouldn't limit their potential, and remember that any point can be a start.
7. In taking of initiative, you can be a leader who inspires but in turn should be able to be inspired by others. 
8. One should understand the choices u make, being slow to judge and make assumptions. 
9. Consideration of other people's ideals but recognize the worth of your own ideas.
10.  One must also realize what you do now has the power to influence your future in a good or bad way.

http://umcf.umn.edu/events/past/04nov-manifesto.pdf

A Contemporary Brand - MTN

The MTN-Group is a major South African based mobile network provider. The group is based in johannesburg but operate in countries all around Africa and Europe. MTN is a well known South African Brand that takes an active role in South African growth and development.

The brand is highly flexible and its design elements can be applied to a wide variety of mediums. MTN is particularly well know for their catchy, easily identifiable television commercials. Amongst South Africans, MTN has a strong brand equity because of its reputation as a reliable and affordable telecommunications provider, as well as taking an active interest in South African Society.

The MTN brand has created a platform between technology and the average South African Consumer.  The MTN corporate philosophy starts with innovation, providing vision and guidance, proactivly leading by example, creating inspirational and original ways to do things.

With a mass social influence and a backing of credibility, MTN is a formidable brand in South African consumer markets.

One Small Seed

One Small Seed is a South African art and culture magazine based on Pop culture. The magazine's target audience is young people in the fields of creativity: artists, musicians and photographers.The magazine considers cultural trends in the latest fashion, art, photography, technology. The magazine  provides content that inspired me as a designer, and would appeal to the youth in this field. The layout of the magazine is unique, some of the layouts break traditional design rules by creating interesting comparisons with type and image.

The layout also makes use of negative space in an interesting way by placing blocks around texts. The layout of the Articles are in two columns to align with the visuals. The photos that are taken often have interesting juxtaposition and feature content that would interest both the amateur and professional photographer. The articles consist of local news and familiar topics local to South Africa like racial issues, events and descriptions of the work of artists in South Africa.

The International Typographical Style

The ITS or the international typographic was a modernist movement that had emphasis on
simplistic solutions to design problems, with its goal being effective visual communication. The style communicated this, making significant use of negative space and simplistic imagery. A prominent figure in the ITS was Ernst Keller (1891-1968). Keller was often referred to as the "Father of swiss graphic design". His philosophy of design solutions emerging from the content encompassed diverse solutions and was famous for his use of grids in design.

This is a collection of logos that are reflective of the ITS principles and style.

The Windows 8 logo is unlike the other Windows logos, monochromatic in color and styled with a single san-serif font. The logo makes great use of negative space and the icon itself is a simplified version of the original windows logo,created from 4 simple squares.

 The BBC logo is set up in  a grid format that is is consistent with the ITS style. It also features one color, with the majority of the focus on the typography. No evidence of personal expression is displayed, just a sense of order and reliability that this logo conveys.

 The BMW logo has been around for some time, it consists of a circle divided into 4 quadrants. The entire logo is comprised of simplified geometric lines and shapes which is consistent with the ITS style. The slight chrome accent gives it a slight feel of elegance or luxury.

 Textura is simple illustration based logo, comprised of clean lines at 90 degree angles clearly demonstrating the use of grid design. There is a balanced use of negative space and layout, giving it a
even finish.

 The Samsung logo is well constructed, consisting of nothing more than a typeface and open visual space. The brand usually varies their font color and background color, but leaves the logo clean and uncluttered, giving legibility and communication its highest value.

Western Culture

Popular Culture 

Oxford Dictionary Definition:
modern popular culture transmitted via the mass media and aimed particularly at younger people:
fashion, music, and the iconography of pop culture offered the perfect medium for profit 
 
Popular culture is the accumulation of perspectives ideas, opinions and culture that is present in society. People often draw inspiration and entertainment from pop culture and is recognized all over the world. Pop culture can often be based on current events and has a habit of making certain aspects of it last through generations. Pop culture can include  literature, fashion, music, art, film These attitudes, ideas, perspectives and cultural products are of then influenced by mass media and can change based on events happening in the world.
    



 

Youth Culture
Free Online Dictionary Definition:
young adults (a generational unit) considered as a cultural class or subculture

This refers to the attitudes ideals and perceptions of the adolescence youth in society today. 

Counter Culture
Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition:
culture with values and customs are very different from and usually opposed to those accepted by most of society;also : the people who make up a counterculture

Counter Culture is an opposing response to mainstream culture. They are often movements that seek to initiate mass social and cultural change. They generally express ideas and aspirations that are seen to be the positive opposite of the culture that they are opposing.
 
Generation X
Business Dictionary Definition:
A label  attributed to people born during the 1960s and 1970s. Members of Generation X are often described as cynical or disaffected, though this reputation obviously does not apply to all people born during this era. This generation has an increased understanding of technology, having grown up during the age of computers. Sometimes also shortened to Gen X.


Visual Generation
This is used to describe the connection to visual understanding in this generation. Images allow for direct communication and visual based messaging which can reach a wide target audience and traverse a variety of medium and cultures.

Counter Culture: Hippies

The hippie subculture rose in the 1960's. It was a result of thousands of American youth demonstrating their strong opposing view to war and violence. This new culture spread the beginnings of rebellion as the youth began to openly demonstrate against war, violence and commercialism.

They presented themselves as advocates of peace, and stood against the traditional values of middle-class society. They asserted themselves and challenged the governmental institutions of American Society. As the counter-culture began to spread they were described as a generation of young people moved by racial injustice, civil rights struggles and the spread of global war.

Hippie fashion, values and culture had a major effect on pop culture, influencing Music, television, arts and literature. The cultural diversity and values of hippie culture has been accepted worldwide and many traits of hippie culture have assimilated by mainstream society.