Design Anarchy

by Kalle Lasn

Adbusters' Design Anarchy is a visual call to arms to resist the commercialization of everything from motherhood to masochism, and has spawned a new genre of "Reactionary Advertising." Each of the hundreds of images in this volume, many paired with notes, commentary and poetry, provokes thought and feeling. It is this feeling, this emotional "conversation" with the page that fuels Adbusters' vision: to prevent the deadening of society, everyman, us, me. You.

Genres: Design, Art, Politics, Nonfiction

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2006

About the author

Estonian-Canadian film maker, author, magazine editor, and activist

Reviews

[Fu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todos tenemos una idea errónea de lo que es el diseño hasta que conocemos la verdadera historia de esta rama del arte. Cuando escuchas diseño te imaginas cosas caras, zapatos de diseñador o muebles europeos de alguna firma de diseño. Pues no siempre fue asi. La esencia del diseño es la de encontrar soluciones creativas a los problemas cotidianos de una persona o sociedad. Eso no significa que sea caro o tenga estatus solo por tener el nombre de la persona que lo creo, desafortunadamente la sociedad consumerista y el capitalismo ha destruido por completo el verdadero significado del diseño haciéndonos pensar que solo es para quien pueda pagarlo cuando en realidad es una solución creativa y estética a un problema. Este libro trata de retomar las raíces nobles del diseño como contra-cultura, la búsqueda de un regreso a los origines creativos por cualquier medio aunque este sea considerado anarquía y rebelión de los patrones modernos. Cualquier diseñador que se respete a si mismo y crea en su trabajo mas que en el dinero debe tener este libro.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 2/3 focus on Graphic Design. I am not a designer and don't have asperations in that direction, so I got bored with the text and just enjoyed looking at the pages.

The last 1/3 is more in my interest. Culture Jam, demarketing, new media, anti-consumerism... Having already read Culture Jam and being an avid Adbusters fan, there wasn't much that was new.

In all, I was left with a distaste about the incredable cost of this book (it was a gift, price tag says $75) compared to the anti-consumer message.

[Kerry]

By the founder of Adbusters magazine, this gloriously illustrated book is the brain-clearing equivalent of hot borax tipped down drains. Anti-consumerism has never looked so good, and the philosophy behind the bi-monthly Canadian magazine is well expounded. Heavy to hold up while you read, but well worth the effort!

[Parker East · Rating 4 out of 5]

For longtime Adbusters readers this may seem like a bit of a rehash at times. However, even if it is viewed as a repackaging of Adbusters, a best of, or condensed format of all the overarching principles, it is worth the read. It is at turns both beautiful and ugly but always thought provoking.

[jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ought to be required reading for all aspiring graphic designers, whom, after viewing, should choose another career path entirely.

[Hiztorian182 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites of all time. This is an art book that portrays anarchy through art. There is no reading. Really powerful and a trippy.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nihilism is fun ... for a while. But then it gets as boring as stale cigarettes and beer stains.

Engagement is the only path to real change, Kalle. You're old enough to know that!

[Becky Gabany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgy. Cool. Thought-provoking.

[tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought to you from AdBusters...interesting yet not linear.