New Mythologies in Design and Culture

Reading Signs and Symbols in the Visual Landscape

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, General Art, Criticism, Graphic Art & Design, General Design
Cover of the book New Mythologies in Design and Culture by Rebecca Houze, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rebecca Houze ISBN: 9781472518491
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: May 19, 2016
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Rebecca Houze
ISBN: 9781472518491
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: May 19, 2016
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

Taking as its point of departure Roland Barthes' classic series of essays, Mythologies, Rebecca Houze presents an exploration of signs and symbols in the visual landscape of postmodernity. In nine chapters Houze considers a range of contemporary phenomena, from the history of sustainability to the meaning of sports and children's building toys. Among the ubiquitous global trademarks she examines are BP, McDonald's, and Nike. What do these icons say to us today? What political and ideological messages are hidden beneath their surfaces? Taking the idea of myth in its broadest sense, the individual case studies employ a variety of analytic methods derived from linguistics, psychoanalysis, anthropology, sociology, and art history. In their eclecticism of approach they demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of design history and design studies.

Just as Barthes' meditations on culture concentrated on his native France, New Mythologies is rooted in the author's experience of living and teaching in the United States. Houze's reflections encompass both contemporary American popular culture and the history of American industry, with reference to such foundational figures as Thomas Jefferson and Walt Disney. The collection provides a point of entry into today's complex postmodern or post-postmodern world, and suggests some ways of thinking about its meanings, and the lessons we might learn from it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Taking as its point of departure Roland Barthes' classic series of essays, Mythologies, Rebecca Houze presents an exploration of signs and symbols in the visual landscape of postmodernity. In nine chapters Houze considers a range of contemporary phenomena, from the history of sustainability to the meaning of sports and children's building toys. Among the ubiquitous global trademarks she examines are BP, McDonald's, and Nike. What do these icons say to us today? What political and ideological messages are hidden beneath their surfaces? Taking the idea of myth in its broadest sense, the individual case studies employ a variety of analytic methods derived from linguistics, psychoanalysis, anthropology, sociology, and art history. In their eclecticism of approach they demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of design history and design studies.

Just as Barthes' meditations on culture concentrated on his native France, New Mythologies is rooted in the author's experience of living and teaching in the United States. Houze's reflections encompass both contemporary American popular culture and the history of American industry, with reference to such foundational figures as Thomas Jefferson and Walt Disney. The collection provides a point of entry into today's complex postmodern or post-postmodern world, and suggests some ways of thinking about its meanings, and the lessons we might learn from it.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book The Network by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book Before by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book MiG-3 Aces of World War 2 by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The Bible in Crime Fiction and Drama by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book Harrap's Wild Flowers by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book Mise En Scene French Theatre Now by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book William Howe and the American War of Independence by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The Trojan Horse by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The 1950s Kitchen by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book Broadcasting the End of Apartheid by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book Dreamland (YA edition) by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The Jewish Revolt AD 66–74 by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book A Cultural History of Dress and Fashion in Antiquity by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The Family Kitchen by Rebecca Houze
Cover of the book The Giraffe's Neck by Rebecca Houze
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy