Design Observer :: Join the Discussion http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/the-art-of-punk-and-the-punk-aesthetic/36708/ en-us Design Observer Group 2012-10-14T12:01:36-05:00 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0
A nice summary of some of the key debates...

I think one of the things we were trying to unpack in The Art of Punk was the graphic design aesthetic of punk and its function and relevance to wider design practice, or otherwise.

Basically, yes, some of the innovations and radical visual styles associated with punk (which, in turn, often borrowed from earlier art movements) did impact more widely on graphic design practice, if only as an inspiration for the next generation of designers. However, part of the 'functional' aspect of punk graphics must be in the way that they talk directly to their specific audience - the punk subculture itself.

Ever since its inception, punk has struggled to occupy a space somewhere within and also outside the mainstream. I do think that some of the post hardcore and modern graphic styles you refer to as of little merit graphically are in fact completely in tune with their function and purpose, whether they look good or innovate graphically or not.

I guess they aren't intended to be appreciated by design critics or writers - they simply need to reach the punk audiences they are aiming at. I think that makes them important in some ways at least.

Best wishes

Russ]]> http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/the-art-of-punk-and-the-punk-aesthetic/36708/#comments 2012-10-14T12:01:36-05:00