Punk art and punk aesthetics are often said to be examples of bricolage; a term used to describe a mash of different objects and styles, brought together to create a new meaning, or to subvert the original one. Certainly, the original punk scene of 1070s London was heavily styled by designer Vivienne Westwood and husband Malcolm McLaren, who took influence from the Teddy Boys and S&M scene. Their deconstructed anti-fashion fashion took on a whole new meaning when modelled by angry, anti-establishment youths who prowled the streets demanding ‘Anarchy in the UK’. Bin-liners, something highly disposable and associated with trash, became high fashion items when worn as dresses. Dog collars, previously used as a tool of dominance, became necklaces. Even the reviled Swastika took on a whole new meaning when used as a punk armband. [Read more...]
Get Up Close With Punk Art
The birth of punk rock is not only the birth of another genre of music, but also the birth of another subculture. This genre of music have also brought new type of art which is commonly known as punk art, or punk visual art. This influenced the making of album covers, as well as punk rock videos.
As what people commonly know, the pioneer punk rock bands talk about opposition, anger and revolution in their lyrics. This is why the punk visual art is associated with rebellion. The most common form of this type of art is expressing sentiments using cut out letters from tabloids and magazines, which was also a common way for kidnappers to ask for ransom to their victims way back. Other forms include two tone colours- often black paired with a shocking colour. Since punk art is aesthetically complex to common people, not all could appreciate it. Thus, punk art could be considered ugly, and dirty by most people. [Read more...]