Rise Of The Post-Apocalyptic Aesthetic.

TREND: Expressing hope through a post-apocalyptic aesthetic.

For all that has been mentioned recently about how the economy is starting to recover, it seems that there is still a bit of “doom-and-gloom” lurking around our midst. In the two examples shown below from emerging photographer Jim Lind, a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Levi's Go Forth ad campaign, the post-apocalyptic aesthetic remains a strong image in the media today.

Last Supper by Jim Lind

Levis ad from 2009 Go Forth Campaign

"ANGIE S. AND GRANT T. AT THEIR SUMMER HOUSE CALLED THE 'SKUNK SHACK'" courtesy of www.goforth.levi.com

It is interesting to note the differences in the way a post-apocalyptic aesthetic is communicated. Obviously Jim Lind’s use of imagery is far more provocative and dark, while the Levis campaign seems to romanticize the idea of a post-apocalyptic world by using bright images to “lift” the emotions of the viewer.

(As a side note I wonder if Levi's was thinking of the film, Mad Max 2, when they decided to use that beat-up car.)

Screenshot from the 1981 film, Mad Max 2, starring Mel Gibson

Another recent artistic project that reminded me of a post-apocalyptic world was created by the artist, Swoon, who built boats out of garbage to "invade" the Venice Biennale. Read the full story from New York magazine here.

Boats made of junk by artist Swoon

Having always been a fan of the Steam Punk aesthetic and perhaps an optimist at heart, I tend to favor the bright, romanticized version of a post-apocalyptic world over the dark, Terminator 2: Judgement Day style imagery.

Screenshot from the 1991 film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger

Ultimately I think that any post-apocalyptic imagery, current or past, serves as a reminder of the same transcendent message: To appreciate what is truly important in life- not the objects that we produce and acquire, but the quality of the relationships with people that we have. It's like what New York magazine said about Swoon and her junk-boat crew, "This crew is Swoon’s big punk-rock family, and even though they’ll likely be broke after this project, they’ll take care of each other." And given all the problems that we're facing in the world today, I'd say that's a pretty relevant message for all of us.