MODERNISM IN AUSTRALIA: ��ital/edme? As a graphic designer in Melbourne, I've seen my fair share of different art styles and design developments, but none more life changing and awe-inspiring than that Modernism. Having said that, I have seen this change in design style met with hesitancy here in Australia and I am going to tell you why Modernity in this country has brought in a change for the better. Modernism? Modernity? What does it all mean? Don't think of it as an artistic flair, but instead a movement of philosophies and principles. A crusade that would move the world forward with design philosophies that could end social inequality. That's a lot to live up to, right? And how would they do it? Design. With the introduction of new technologies and materials in the late 19th century and early 1990's, the designer's mind reeled with the possibilities once only dreamed of; "a self-conscious desire to create something new"(Wilk, 2006, p.12). Through these new revelations the future (were quality and inexpensive objects could be purchased by all walks of life) loomed. Many groups around the world were quick to support this movement, such as the famous Bauhaus school of design in Germany, the De Stijl of the Netherlands and the Italian Futurists. These groups lead the way in groundbreaking designs and objects that would soon be revered around the world, such as the Bauhaus building itself. The Modernists would spread the word of this campaign through manifestoes and "events that would profoundly shape, twist and transmute the possibilities of modernist cultures" (Stephen, McNamara & Goad, 2008, p20). These new designs and products were show cased to the public through publications, reproductions, touring exhibitions, emigres and expatriates. Soon Australia would be enthralled by this movement that promised to boost our economy and our spirit.
In order for designers to change society through innovative ideas, a new set of guidelines and standards had to be brought in. In this new world they looked to the future and cast the past aside, ignored the overly decorated and expensive designs of history and set out to create a something new. Many designers saw this outdated design as "debris from the past" (Montana, 2009, p.23) The Modernist future could only happen with completely new ideas and materials, and the designs that emerged needed to simulate those modern times. With the rejection of historic English designs, our country's designers could now focus on what we needed exclusively in Australia. Our country was given the opportunity to create a new identity that the rest of the world would recognize, and see our country for the budding metropolis it is. Without unnecessary ornamentation, new designs emerged that focused sorely on the function of an object; how it can best fulfill its purpose. The true role of an item needed to be finessed down to its simplest function, regardless of the form it took. These new designs were indeed simple and befitting to the advantages of machine production. Thanks to these machines the best materials could now be produced at an efficient rate and luxury items suddenly became inexpensive and available to the typical Australian family. The Modernists believe these innovative materials need to be embraced, their beauty displayed. Instead of importing materials in order to create British designs, the natural and local elements from our own country could be incorporated, and the savings passed to you. Many components of your daily life, your house, clothes and furniture, were all transformed into useful and economical items by Modernism.
Im age 1: The Bauhaus School of Design in Germany was pioneering Modernist Architecture in 1925. De signed by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus building housed workshops for Modernist designers.
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