Steven Heller wrote 'Historical reprise has been a mixed blessing.' Postmodernism or 'remix' design has become inconsistent in its redesigning of history. Some remix design has reprised design eras successfully so that the historical elements have become relevant and 'invisible', therefore served to educate and inspire creativity. However, at times, the reprise has served to be a 'cut-and-paste' job and becomes a cliche.
An example of postmodernist or contemporary design is the Carlton Bookcase by Ettore Sottass Jr. Sottass sourced from many different cultural references in his design and combined contemporary imagery with aspects derived from ancient mythology and symbolism. Sottass was one of the founders of the Memphis design group which at the time became the 'standard bearer of the 'new international style'', it is comparable to the Bauhaus in the aspect and had members from all over the world. They believed in the idea of banality, by redesigning everyday objects through the use of pattern, colour and other elements so that they became objects of 'aesthetic contemplation'. Sottass described this style himself 'non cultural imagery', meaning the design is devoid of historical or cultural recognition by aesthetics.
The Re mixer's Manifesto states that 'the past always tries to control the future.' The critics of the historical reprise feared postmodernist design would demand originality, which is why I chose Sottass as my example. I believe the idea of banality and the Carlton Bookcase itself display unique remix techniques without the need for quotation, irony, ornamentation or unnecessary abstraction.
Carlton Bookcase
Ettore Sottass Jr.
Memphis
1981
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