I have been noticing one particular artist getting some attention: Piero Fornasetti, the noted engraver. His work hasn't quite hit the saturation level of the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' posters, but it very well could.
Fornasetti's most known works revolve around the image of the operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri. The images are astounding, but also a little bit haunting. Its like those paintings where the eyes follow you around the room.
One can purchase a limited edition DVD of hundreds of the images, suitable for background entertainment at a party.
Personally, if the Oceania of Orwell's 1984 was run by the Avant-Garde, I think their posters of choice would be these. "Lina Cavalieri is watching you" is a little more unnerving than big brother.
This image and design idea (which can be seen at photographerMark Roskam's website) does not bode well in my mind. It's the feeling of being watched, multiplied by thirty three and served for breakfast and at every meal. If there ever were a way to give yourself paranoia, this would be it.
Image credits: Design Milk
Desire to Inspire
I used to have a poster, I don't even remember of what now, but it involved a very intense face/set of eyes. And it always scared the shiz out of me when I walked through that room at night, to the point where I took it down. Which is my roundabout way of saying- I don't do eyes on the wall. But I agree, these are beautiful (and disturbing) images.
ReplyDelete~Amanda
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