The Subversive Nature of Graphic Design

In an article on Prophetik Soul they seem to argue that graphic design, itself, is subversive in nature. Initially, I struggled to find and understand the reasons for this, however. Link will be at the bottom of the page.

It seems to me that they are arguing that graphic design can be subversive as it draws on so many other fields. I am unsure however if the designers are subverting design field by doing this subverting the fields they are drawing upon.

They discuss the parallel between Graphic Design and Visual communication and whether they are one in the same or one is a form of the other. If Graphic Design is a form of visual communication then you could say that cave paintings are also visual communication. This would be mean visual communication as a field dates back to prehistoric times.

There is also this discussion of Graphic Design vs Art. Art being perceived as having higher value by institutions such as academic bodies and is subjective. Graphic Design on the other hand is objective. Is Graphic Design subversive due to its objective nature?

In the pages below it explains 3 key points that make graphic design subversive. I have annotated them alongside.

Within this article, a quote by Jared Spool is included. I thought this was interesting as it describes good design as being invisible. Maybe this is why graphic design is subversive? As it is the opposite of traditional art in many ways.

'Good design, when it's done well, becomes invisible. It's only when it is done poorly that we notice it.' - Jared Spool.

'The Inherently Subversive Power of Design' discusses works that are forms of satire, pastiche and 'spoofing'. My first thoughts when reading this article was of Adbusters and their spoof ads. There subversive messages through the use of design allow the audience to question their surroundings.

The writer of the article is encouraging designers to subvert and release new messages rather than self-censoring to please companies and big brands. This is what Adbusters already do. I think this is a pretty creative way of looking at the world as well; rewriting messages to show what is really happening or give a new meaning. In this case, I would argue that this subversive way of working and thought process does develop and test a designers creativity. I defininately think I should take a look at Adbusters for my presenation.

Bibliography.

Adbusters. (n.d.). Spoof Ads. Adbusters. https://www.adbusters.org/spoof-ads

Tinsley, R. (2018, June 28). The Subversive Nature of Graphic Design. Prophetik Soul. https://www.prophetiksoul.com/the-subversive-nature-of-graphic-design/

Krauss, N. (2017, April 17). The Inherently Subversive Power of Design. Noteh Krauss. https://medium.com/@Noteh/the-inherently-subversive-power-of-design-82736d65949d