Punk

In the 1970’s, as a reaction to the fixed rule of modernism, the punk style was born which is associated to the Post modernism. This generation was frustrated towards Modernism because it focused on order and respected traditional value, thus started a youthful rebellion to change this. Punk shared the same attributes as Dada because both sought to challenge the current culture.

It began in London and was defined as street fashion which was purposely made inappropriate with crazy looking hairstyles and makeup, torn or ripped clothing which was then designed with markers or paint.

This period consisted of numerous individuals who had no training whatsoever to be designers, but that didn’t really matter because nobody required a set of professional skills because anything was accepted as long it was different from Modernism.

When the Sex Pistols first launched their raw rock and roll music, they inspired the idea of the Punk Movement. Reading their lyrics it suggested that they encouraged the idea of disobeying the law and having an attitude. They were considered to be awful musicians however they provided shock value, no matter positive or negative they still received a large response.

One art pupil named Jamie Reid began to design the band’s image for their music by creating the collaged ‘ransom note’ typography. Reid cut pieces of text from newspapers and magazines, placing arranging them how he felt suited them best and then finally photographed.

He had not acquired a typesetter which would have been time consuming. He would have to have it printed and wait to see how it looks like and arranging any errors, but this way he was not confined to the grid and he was able to alter any changes in that moment.

Jamie Reid had become the official designer for the band designing posters and t-shirts to promote their name. He is notably remembered for his ‘God Save the Queen’. The image of the Queen was extracted came from a poster that celebrated the Queen’s accession to the throne, the Silver Jubilee. This was a very outrageous display because he had removed two of her senses, her freedom of expression and sight. It was an act of anarchy, almost mocking the Queen’s reign and placing vulgar language into her mouth, degrading her dignity.

This movement encouraged fans to start recreating their own art, make up their own principles and not follow any format – they were their own masters and allowed their attitude to express themselves. The idea of ‘DIY’ – do it yourself happened because it cheaper since the price of oil had quadrupled due to an oil catastrophe. Although this was a horrible situation it encouraged individuals to adapt to this predicament, inspiring them to be more artistic.

I personally liked this period because it had taken a risk and tried something different, even though it was very controversial period, I understand why they were annoyed and that they had taken action to solve their boredom.