Constellation4- concept
Neo-futurist Architecture
My first study group for constellation was Neofuturist architecture. Neo futurism simply means a new future; fusing old techniques with modern technology, looking back to inform and shape the future. Neo futurism actually stems from the early 1900’s movement of futurism, something that is very unlike its modern-day creation. Futurism was the brain child of the Italians Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and Antonio Sant’Elia. The two were creatives; Marinetti a poet and sant’elia an architect. The two found each other during the first world war, it was here that their manifestos stemmed.
an image of marinetti -https://fantastic-writers-and-the-great-war.com/war-experiences/filippo-tommaso-marinetti/
At a glance it is clear that the futurist manifesto was written by fascists; their points are strongly patriotic but also critical of Italy’s current ways. They also come across as sexist. The way that they have composed their ideals is something that really interests me and is something that I can explore further.
On the topic of manifestos, a book was mentioned that I will have to read at some point. 100 artists’ manifestos, is almost a catalogue of art movements and inspiration. On a course such as the one I’m on it would definitely come in handy.
One of the creatives mentioned in the book is Vito Di Bari. He is a man behind the modern day view of futurism. As a product designer he uses his ideals to realize things that would help in dealing with our modern way of life. One of his designs is for an O2 pram. The essence of the design is to supply a clean supply of oxygen to a child. With modern day cities and their levels of pollution it is a huge risk for young children especially newborns who bodies aren’t equipped to cope with such pollutants.
As the group sessions continued, the subjects became more niche; as the group is called neofuturist architecture this was to be expected. One particular point was the garden cities, a concept developed by Sir Ebenezer Howard. He designed cities that are a perfect example of the new futurist beliefs. A city that is created with people in mind. Circular in style all roads convened on a central green space allowing for all to be within reach of a little piece of the countryside. The point of the green cities is that there is no need for travelling; shops lined a promenade that stretched around the gardens, cycling is the mode of transport, and everyone was healthy and satisfied with their way of life.
Questions from lectures
What do you make of sant’elias view that the decorative should be abolished?
For many decoration is what makes buildings. The idea of there being no decoration on buildings or interiors, to me, would be bleak. To not have a variation in facades or even a simple door handle seems very monotonous indeed. If you are building your own house for example, decoration can make it your own. As a teenager you decorate your room in a way that allows you to express yourself, especially if you personality is very different to that of your parents. A street or home without these things would not be a world that i would like to live in.
It’s unacceptable to borrow from the past or is it in fact inevitable?
It is a part of life that things get passed on or comeback into style. Using you great grandmothers cookie recipe for example is borrowing from the past, but that’s okay. If you look to “hipsters” they have brought back many things that have gone out of style as the worlds technology has developed; record players and large frames for glasses are all the range at the moment; these aren’t new ideas, they have been recycled by a world that is driven by ideas of nostalgia.
Is nostalgia appropriate in art and design?
Isn’t art and design funded by nostalgia? Museums and galleries display old masters works for us to see and reminisce about a simpler time. The money that we spent being nostalgic in such places helps to fund new and developing artists and designers across the world; a new exhibition in a gallery requires interior designers, the leaflets and posters are done by graphic designers and illustrators, and then we have the gift shop where ceramicists and textiles’ have their chance to shine. The modern idea of art tourism is what helps us all to grow.
What is pastiche?
Pastiche is the technical way of saying that you work in someone elses style or use the techniques of another period. This a technique that many schools and colleges use to get young aspiring artists to develop their own style and skillset. In the world of futurism this is something that is frowned upon. Marinetti and sant’elia explicitly mention this in there manifestos.
Is pastiche to be avoided when it comes to the exploration of art and design?
Personally i believe that pastiche is not a bad thing. It allows for features and styles to be carried forward or maintained. If thinking like an architect pastiche would be crucial for a restoration. Using old techniques would allow for a more accurate and acceptable result; if you want planning for a restoration some councils may put this in the planning permission, depending on the grading of the building. In the eyes of other disciplines such as ceramics the use of traditional techniques allows for artists to create certain effects that just can’t be reached in other ways; even though tools and technologies develop, sometimes the old ways are just better.