Postmodernism, Style & Subversion 1970–1990 Exhibition Graphics

Evolving from the ideas of Modernism of the early 19th century, Postmodernism was a radical reaction to simplicity. Always resisting a straightforward explanation, it encompasses a wide range of practices from graphic design to philosophy, and everything in-between. For the V&A exhibition we wanted to reflect on this extensive variety without directly pastiching previous works. Utilising supergraphic reproductions as towering billboards on the walls. Neon lighting evocative of the reoccurring vision architects held for future city landscapes. And a labeling system held in place with patterned elastic bands of Memphis reproductions placed on top of bright coloured perspex, which varied between each of the 3 rooms.

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Drawing Fashion

Exhibition Graphics

This exhibition charted the work of the most important fashion illustrators from the 1920s to the present day. APFEL collaborated with architects Carmody Groarke to design a space that would create a subtle backdrop to the fine works on paper. The existing gallery space was transformed by a series of curved, white paper walls, and the exhibition lighting was placed within the structure to create a soft, ambient environment. The graphics, inspired by early 20th century Vogue, were mounted as white texts on the reverse of the translucent walls, as unobtrusive narratives to the exhibition and works.

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Dirt

Exhibition Graphics

This fascinating exhibition of historical artefacts and contemporary film and literature explored the unusual subject of ‘dirt’, our relationship with it in the past, and how we plan to deal with it in the future. The graphic scheme took on the characteristics of dirt; the entire entrance wall was covered with flocking to emulate a splattering of muck, typographic elements throughout the show were formed out of flock Fibers which closely resembled a hoover bag’s contents, and painted aluminium panels were screenprinted with the exhibition texts providing a contrasting feel of cleanliness.

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