For this assignment, I tried to connect three events that in my opinion gave rise to modern design. I’m not focusing on the application of modern design necessarily, I wanted to explore the technological advancements and culture surrounding the art. Art and culture change in tandem, because art reflects the people creating it. I was first surprised to learn that the Lumiere brothers didn’t see the potential of film, even though the invention of the cinematograph is their most notable work looking back. I was also surprised to learn how increased Japanese communication influenced Art Nouveau, my favourite movement. Furthermore, Japanese culture continued to impact western design through the move to minimalism. I think I garnered a deeper appreciation for minimalist design by researching Plakastil. I’m an illustrator at heart and admittedly have a bias favouring more detailed art styles, but I can see how Bernhard’s designs were so eye-catching and revolutionary at the time. I spent around 6 hours on this assignment, and I’d give myself an 8.5/10. I wish I didn’t cut it so close to the due date so I could crop all my pictures, so they’d fit together aesthetically. I think I chose a good subject to base my project on, but my events should’ve been a bit more cohesive. But I am proud of the amount I’ve written for each event and commentary on each photo.
