Victoria & Albert gallery visit - 02/09/14

Today I visited the Victoria and Albert gallery; I find this gallery overwhelming because of the huge variety and quantity of interesting and unique designs. The first exhibition I viewed was  titled 'Disobedient Objects,' from this I predicted that the work would go against traditional views. The exhibition highlighted that the work was created under pressure with few resources, it also suggested that some of the work may appear rough or unfinished. I really enjoy the idea of not perfectly finished outcomes because in my opinion it gives the work an interesting appearance and allows the audience to see the process; when looking at the work I felt involved with the events it presented. 
As I walked in the exhibition the atmosphere felt quite tense because the lights were dimmed and the work that caught my attention seemed dark and eerie. The work was titled 'Puppets'. I was drawn in by the large scale of the work and the distorted faces of the puppets. This work was created by a politically radical theatre company titled Bread and Puppet. The company was known for going against conventions of society and they suggested that "Art should be as basic to life as bread". I really enjoy the work because each puppet had distinctive features which made each one stand out but also harmonise with each other to work as one. The dark clothing and creepy appearance of the puppets put me on edge because it was as if the puppets were staring back at me. I feel this work is powerful because of the feelings it gave me and made me feel apart of it. 

I was really amazed at the simplicity yet powerful design titled 'SILENCE=DEATH' designed by Avram Finkelstein. It presented how a basic design can become a well known, recognisable symbol which represents a strong message. This design was used in Nazi concentration camps to mark out gay men. However, it was inverted to create  a voice for the gay community and help them stand up and be proud of who they are. This design helped me understand that it does not have to be detailed or overcomplicated to be successful and become so important to so many people. Overall I feel this design will help me consider the detail I create in my own designs and question if it is necessary.

The 'Occupy Sandy Way finding Sign' was created because New York was hit by a hurricane named Sandy in 2012. It was used as a source of direction to all the victims affected by the hurricane. I feel the bright yellow becomes eye catching for the audience and helps the black information stand out. The organised, simple design helps people understand how to get help at the crucial time. I decided to create a response to this design inspired by the composition  of the sign. I chose to change the order and layout of the design to see how it would affect the way I viewed the sign. I discovered my design formed a confusing message which was difficult to understand or make any sense from. This presents how the composition of a sign is important to how it communicates the message to the audience. 
I relish the big, bold typography in the design 'NO' by David Gentleman. The colours have powerful connotations of blood, danger and death which contributes to the message the poster is advertising. It was designed in 2003 as a antiwar message in the build up to the Iraq war; it's purpose was to create awareness within the public to help and support of preventing the war. I created several responses to this design, my first one was a chaotic, messy outcome; I wanted to understand how my outcome would affect the message of the design. I feel mine was successful because the acrylic paint contributes to the texture and the uncontrolled red paint forms a violent appearance which would contribute to the connotations of war. I then went onto a more controlled experiment which involved questioning how the colour of the work would affect the message it was advertising. I experimented with a range of colours and feel it removes the seriousness from the work because the colours I chose gives the design a more upbeat, fun, colourful appearance which does not connote war. Overall I feel my responses helped me understand  why David Gentleman chose the techniques and colours to create a successful and sophisticated design.
Overall I really enjoyed my visit to the Victoria and Albert gallery, the Disobedient Objects exhibition made me consider how outcomes do not need to be perfectly finished to create an interesting and sophisticated outcome. This has inspired me to experiment with different techniques and materials even if the outcome is not what I expect it will be unique and successful. The exhibition also expressed to me how art and design is everywhere, it can have a function or just be for visual pleasure; from this I will take time to observe my surroundings and the designs which may be in it.