20th CENTURY DESIGN

In this task I am required to make six images of which three are post modern and the other three any other art movement.

fig 1 postmodern boy under water

fig 2 postmodern anger management

fig 3 postmodern letter A

fig 4 conceptual adios

fig 5 surrealist sacrifice

fig 6 surrealist man

Reference                                                                                                                                                   

Figure 1. Budu-Manuel, M(2014) Boy underwater                                                                                  In possession of: The author                                                                                                                       Legenda University College                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Figure 2. Budu-Manuel, M(2013) Anger management                                                                             In possession of: The author                                                                                                                     Legenda University College                                                                                                                     

  

Figure 3. Budu-Manuel, M(2014) The letter A                                                                                       In possession of: The author                                                                                                                    Legenda University College                                                                                                                    

 Figure 4. Budu-Manuel, M(2013) Adios                                                                                                 In possession of: The author                                                                                                                     Legenda University College                                                                                                                       

Figure 5. Budu-Manuel, M(2013) Sacrifice                                                                                            In possession of: The author                                                                                                                       Legenda University College                                                                                                                                       

  Figure 6. Budu-Manuel, M(2013) Man                                                                                                     In possession of: The author                                                                                                                     Legenda University College                                                                                                                  

20th CENTURY DESIGN

Introduction

Often times things around us, are classified under set and specific functions and purposes. For instance a glass is used for drinking. What we all normally do not realize is that, things do not seem to be what they are all the time. A glass is used for drinking, yes but what if the actual purpose of the glass was not for drinking but instead perhaps, listening or watching. In other words, things around us could have different purposes or meanings depending on your point of view, concept.

This brings us to the question, what is concept? Concept is an abstract thought which is conceived in the mind. It can also mean giving an unexpected or unusual function, purpose or meaning different from its original functions, purpose and meaning.

This term, concept is one which is being applied in art today, hence the existence of conceptual art or conceptualism. This art form was as a result of a movement amongst many others, which sprung out in the twentieth century. Most works of this art form are often described as installations. Examples of prominent artists who employed this art form are Marcel Duchamp and Joseph Kosuth. Though this art form seemed interesting to some people, others think otherwise.

However I employed this method of art in some of my modules this semester after studying about what this art form entails. Relating this technique to my other modules, I was able to make a few conceptual objects of my own. One of them is, a lamp made of pegs. The idea or concept behind this lamp is what we are going to discuss and I am going to explain to you the various processes that I employed in the making of the lamp.

The lamp

Forms was one of my module tasks for this semester for design studio conceptualization. For  this task, I was required to find object and basically give it a different form or look. Initially it was a bit of a struggle for me but in the long run I was able to find some pegs and also an idea of the new form to give it.

Why pegs?

Pegs are often used to hold clothes after washing. They are normally wooden, metal or plastic. I chose to use plastic and very bright colored pegs. I realized that pegs are items people do not really find other uses for, so I made it my intention to find other purposes for it.

The concept

The concept behind the use of the pegs is that due to its light weight nature and bright colors, it in a way, for me had a connection to light. Due to this fact I decided to make a lamp out of it.

The items

I first got myself quite a number of bright pegs all of the same kind. I also purchased a styrofoam bowl, a small glass, some candles and masking tape. I also found some rope and spray paint.

Process

First I cut out the middle part of the styrofoam bowl and used another one as the base. I joined the two together using masking tape. This was to make the middle part firm.

After I stuck the pegs round the cut out middle part of the styrofoam bowl and then stuck more pegs on the others to give it a spherical look almost like an egg cracked open from the top.

Then I put my candle in the glass and placed it in the middle inside of the pegs. This was going to serve as the light source of the peg lamp.

Next , I sprayed the base of the lamp with the spray paint. I also tied a rope around the pegs to hold them firmly in place.

The last thing I did was to light up the candle to see how my work looked like and yes it was amazing.

Other concepts

After making the lamp, I seemed to see it from different angles. I realized that it could be used in an Indian house for the burning of incense. I also noticed I could put my stuff such pencils, pens, erasers amongst others in the lamp if I should take the candle out.

This made me excited since I was able to see different angles of the master piece I had made and the different purposes and functions I could give it aside its intended purpose.

Before I could come out with my final work, I went through various kinds of processes. First I had to check and research on what exactly I wanted to do. I also experimented using other items, to see if I was going to achieve the same results. I had to plan and make sketches of the final form of my work.

Experience

This experience was not an easy one. It involved a whole lot of thinking and experimenting. It was time consuming and demanded a lot of money. Aside these it took a lot of imagination and creativity to in its processes. However this task was fun. Though a little difficult it encouraged a lot of critical thinking. I was able to also research and find the uses of pegs aside its aesthetic uses.

Why practice conceptual art?

Conceptual art helps an individual build on his thinking skills. This is to say it makes a lot of room for the use of critical thinking. It also helps an individual broaden his or her creative scope and provides us with the ability to look at the world from a whole new different point of view. This art also make us understand the fact that each and every person has a different point of view about a particular matter depending on the situation.

Conclusion

Conceptual art is not just an art movement. It is not as repulsive as others may seem to put it. It is rather a platform for creativity. It more of intellectual and in many instances an improved sense of logic reasoning. However it should be noted that though an artist can take a glass of water and call it air, the observer might have a different concept and might just prefer to call it a car.

Reference

1. Figure 1. Budu-Manuel, M.(2014) Pegs

In possession of : The author

Legenda University College

2. Figure 2. Budu-Manuel, M.(2014) Final product

In possession of : The author

Legenda University College

Peter Osborne, Conceptual Art: Themes and movements, Phaidon, London, 2002. p. 28

fig 1

fig 2

20th CENTURY DESIGN

Postmodernism

This is an art movement which emerged in the 20th century after the World War II. It sets out to display the cultural and societal metamorphosis during this period.

Modernism

Postmodernism simply could mean after modernism, hence it is necessary to understand what modernism is. Modernism is also an art form which show cases the ability of human beings to change and enhance their environment with time. This art form took place after the World War I, when cities and industries begun to emerge.

Postmodern art is one that in itself  has no actual meaning. It is more of  "pop" art . It deals with the remodeling of existing arts be it paintings, architecture,sculpture making , fashion, etc. This remodeling is done by the use of colors and shapes which leaves the end result basically as an icon with no definite interpretation of its purpose.

21st Century

Our world today is one which dwells in this postmodern art form. We live in a more advance era which keeps on developing. Most of everything around as is postmodern, from the design of a sports car, to architectural design, to fashion, advertisement, movies and even technology. As its name proposes, postmodernism is our world today and even after.

The dancing house by architect Frank Gehry

retrieved from http://www.inmagine.com/inmsearch.php?word=postmodern%20art&g_lang=&g_translate=&match=and&exclude=&exppl=&vpoint=&similarmode=&imgtype=&searchRF=1&searchRM=1&nonudity=&category=all&collection=all&orientation=all&imgperpage=60&sid=&ethc=&sortby=0&morecd=&viewimagespro=&clarify=&clareng=off&magnify=1&STO=1&v=&e=&people_count=&people_gender=&people_age=&searchoption=&creation_date=&searchCD=&alamy_only=

Octagonal electric teakettle of hammered silver with cane wicker handle 

designed by Peter Behrens retrieved from http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286993/industrial-design/259568/Postmodern-design-and-its-aftermath

Reflection

This art form is one of creativity and fun. It concerns itself with less details and meanings unlike other art forms. It is a way of portraying the steady development of today's society and also it helps in the envisioning of how the future might be.

ACADEMIC SKILLS

Group work

This refers to the coming together of two or more people whose purpose is to work together to achieve a common goal as one unit.
This semester, Jeffery and I were put in a group for our 20th Century design class. Initially both of us might have been a little shy, but we had a little bit of closure during some classes and found out we did have a common interest. We went on further to exchange numbers.
We also discussed thoroughly the subject at hand. Sharing ideas and finding possible ways of achieving our set target. We put these ideas together and started work immediately , so we could meet up with our deadline.
We both decided to make sketches on how we want our work to be .
The main problem was our meeting dates. Due to some personal problems and situations my team mate could not be present for every meeting so instead of setting meeting dates and time we conducted most discussions on phone and discussed it further when we met in class.
During this period notes were taken and important points were taken into consideration.
At the end of the day we achieved all set goals.
Though I may not have had too much problems with my team mate , the next time I get the chance to be in another group, I would make sure that at least we try to meet not only in class but outside class because that would definitely give us more time to discuss and also get to know each other's strengths and weaknesses more, and probably get more acquainted with each other.

ACADEMIC SKILLS

Reflective writing

Academic skills is a module which deals with the teaching of different processes used in the field of education to help a student not only in other modules but also serves as a tool in the professional world.
Though there were a few tasks I am familiar with, I have gradually acquired more knowledge on other topics and also I have had the chance to add more to what I already know.The first task was not much of a challenge to me since I had to basically write an understanding and more personal opinion concerning my course. 
The second one was a little bit of a hustle, I had to read two book in a short time and make my own copy of what I read almost like a summary using the principle of context. This was not like the everyday summary exercise, but no pain no gain, I had to make a conscious effort into seeing this task through. This task was a new to me and a little bit of a challenge, since I had to make my understanding of the requirements clear and precise.
Referencing, my next task was not much of a challenge though personally it could be cumbersome due to the different ways of referencing different document depending on their source. I learnt about the Harvard Referencing style, a generally accepted referencing technique. I would admit I was a little impressed with myself when I finally passed this task.
The last two tasks for me were familiar one presentation skills and group working. These tasks were tasks let me say I felt very confident about regarding the fact that they were not the first time I had practiced them.
Presentation skills though was not knew to me, I had the chance to get more acquainted with the use of power point presentation. It was an exciting addition to my already existing expertise in this subject.
Group working as said before was also not a new thing to me. I was  able to learn a lot about my partner during this period, it created a platform for closure between us.
With me as the student  and Miss Tiffany as my tutor, I would say I have learnt a lot and I would enjoy having her as my tutor again, though the fact still stands that initially her name sent a chill down my spine because of her very strong and strict sense of character but you know even Napoleon had a soft spot. 
In a nut shell I can not deny the fact that I am glad I am done with this module in as much as I can not deny the truth that during my study of this module I have acquired  a lot of knowledge which would help me in my future field of expertise, for instance I can now make a good referencing to support my work and also use power point to present or propose ideas in a more modern and systematic manner.