Tagged: political

F U T U R E R E S E A R C H

There are particular concepts, topics and artists I was not able to research in this module but that I definitely want to explore in my final major project:

Martha Harris’ presentation on typography in activism:

Martha Harris’ presentation on typography in political settings has inspired me to look at political/activist posters and the constructivist style of early revolution posters, continuing through to the punk era and how artists and musicians adopted these styles – limited colours (2-3), geometrics/Art Deco shapes. Also how designers such as Rodchenko and Lizzitsky had started to feature strong or working women in their imagery, which could translate well into my proposed project.

The punk era aimed to destroy bourgeois/middle class imagery and the groups such as the Sex Pistols in particular referenced Communist propaganda in their album artwork and posters.

I also intend to look at Linder Sterling and her work for Jon Savage’s Secret Public zine, which used collage, photography and type in a way that I am interested in recreating or experimenting with.

I also want to look into DIY activist merchandise e.g. handmade banners and placards as this relates to my research I’ve carried out into the issues of mass-produced merchandise, and how we could alternatively create our own, more personal and therefore powerful messages.

Barbara Kruger – Martha made an interesting point about how Kruger’s more current work is more commercial than her earlier pieces, perhaps more relevant to fashion communication – Does this blur the boundaries between political messages and capitalism? Is this intended?

Spare Rib zine 1972-1993 – After Martha mentioned this feminist zine I discovered that all issues are available to read online on the British Library – so I want to explore this further for ideas about content and self-designed/published books.

Further reading/booklist:

Andersson, Patrik; Steedman, Judith. “Inside magazines: Independent pop culture magazines.” (London: Thames & Hudson, 2002). Print.

Barnard, Malcolm. “Fashion as communication.” (London: Routledge, 2002). Print.

Duncombe, Stephen. “Notes from the underground: Zines and the politics of alternative culture.” (Bloomington, Ind.: Microcosm, 2008). Print.

Fawcett-Tang, Roger; O’Reilly, John. “Experimental formats: Books, brochures, catalogues.” (Crans-Près-Céligny; Hove: RotoVision, c2001). Print.

Fawcett-Tang, Roger. “Experimental formats 2: Books, brochures, catalogues.” (Mies; Hove: RotoVision, c2005). Print.

Glaser, Milton; Ilić, Mirko. “The design of dissent.” (Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport Publishers, c2005). Print.

Hack, Jefferson; Furniss, Jo-Ann. “Dazed and confused: Making it up as we go along: A visual history of the magazine that broke all the rules.” (New York: Rizzoli, 2011). Print.

Leslie, Jeremy. “Issues: New magazine culture.” (London: Laurence King, 2000). Print.

Leslie, Jeremy. “MagCulture: New magazine design.” (London: Laurence King, 2003). Print.

Piepmeier, Alison. “Girl zines: Making media, doing feminism.” (New York: New York University Press, 2009). Print.

Scott, Linda M. “Fresh lipstick: Redressing fashion and feminism.” (New York; Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006). Print.

WEEK 4: tutorial and development of ideas

My tutorial with Martha Harris yesterday was particularly helpful in giving me confidence with my ideas and research so far. We discussed my in depth research into ‘feminist’ fashion brands/campaigns and the issues that arise with these, and my research into the characteristics and aesthetics of feminist zines, both of the Riot Grrrl era and contemporary DIY movement, including Bay Garnett’s Cheap Date magazine and its satirical content.

We also discussed how I am looking at ‘trigger’ words to create a strong title for the magazine and how this will help inform my typography and general design/aesthetics. For example the word ‘Filler’ could have sexual or surgical connotations as well as food or even design and speech meanings. I said I am particularly interested in exploring other methods of printing to give a contemporary take on the early Xerox photocopied zines, and as I have used risograph printing before in personal work I hope to explore methods such as these further in my FMP.

Martha helped me think about ideas for content, and having themed issues but also regular features, and how I want to ask for submissions or collaborate to ensure a range of content.

We also discussed the idea of tear-out/pull-out elements and ‘treats’, such as a centrefold poster or other perforated pages, which will add to the experimental and fun visual identity I want the magazine to have.

She suggested I look at Linder Sterling and Jon Savage’s Secret Public fanzine as well as album artwork by Nirvana and the Vaselines to inform my image-making.

I now feel confident to progress with solidifying my ideas for my intended publication and how I can experiment and push boundaries with my design and image-making as I move into my FMP and writing my statement of intent. I also took a lot away from her presentation on political poster typography and design, and graphics from the punk era, which will help to broaden my research.