Korean poster design, once a staple of street art and underground culture, has gained international recognition for its vibrant visuals and thought-provoking themes. However, in recent years, the distinctive style of these posters has largely disappeared from public view, leaving fans to wonder what happened to this unique visual language.
Korean poster design has long been a staple of urban culture, with its vibrant colors, bold typography, and striking imagery captivating audiences on city streets, in coffee shops, and at festivals. However, in recent years, the presence of well-produced posters around Seoul has become increasingly rare, sparking concern among designers, artists, and enthusiasts about the future of this unique visual language.
Our correspondent sat down with Jude Kang, a renowned Korean designer and founder of the poster design archive project, to discuss the decline of printed posters in the city and his efforts to preserve this art form. "I've noticed that people are no longer making posters as much as they used to," Kang explained. "It's not just the lack of production capacity, but also a changing mindset towards print media. With the rise of digital communication, many people have shifted their focus online, and poster design has become an afterthought."
Kang's observations are echoed by many who frequent Seoul's streets and coffee shops. Gone are the days when one could easily spot eye-catching posters advertising local events, concerts, or fashion brands. Instead, blank walls seem to stare back, devoid of any visual stimulation. "It's not just about the physical presence of posters," said Lee Ji-hoon, a young artist who has been making posters for years. "The art form itself is dying out. Few people are interested in creating new designs, and even fewer are willing to print them."
Despite the decline of printed posters, Kang remains optimistic about the potential for poster design to revitalize its place in Korean culture. His archive project, which aims to collect and preserve a comprehensive dataset of all posters created in Korea since 1990, is an ambitious endeavor that seeks to document this disappearing art form. Through extensive research, interviews with designers, and on-site collections, Kang hopes to revive the spirit of poster design and inspire a new generation of creatives.
When asked about his motivations for starting the archive project, Kang replied, "I want to show that poster design is more than just a fleeting trend. It's an art form that has its own history, aesthetics, and cultural significance. By preserving this legacy, I hope to encourage people to explore and appreciate the unique qualities of Korean poster design." Kang's passion for poster design is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Through the archive project, Kang is not only preserving a piece of Seoul's visual history but also creating a resource that can inspire new designers and artists. By studying the archives, one can gain insight into the evolution of Korean poster design over the years, from the early days of punk rock-inspired posters in the 1990s to the more recent trends of minimalist typography and bold graphics.
Kang's archive project is not limited to Seoul alone; it aims to document poster designs from all over Korea, highlighting the country's unique cultural identity and artistic expressions. The project has already gained significant attention, with many designers and artists contributing their work to the archives.
One of the most striking aspects of Kang's archive project is its comprehensive dataset, which includes posters created for various events, festivals, and exhibitions. From music concerts to fashion shows, each poster provides a unique window into Korean culture and society. The datasets also include detailed information about the designers, including their backgrounds, inspirations, and creative processes.
In conclusion, the decline of printed posters in Seoul is a worrying trend that highlights the need for preservation and appreciation of this unique art form. Jude Kang's archive project is an ambitious initiative that seeks to document Korean poster design and inspire future generations of creatives. As we move forward into an increasingly digital age, it's essential that we recognize the value of print media and its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in a tangible way.
By supporting designers like Jude Kang who are dedicated to preserving this art form, we can help ensure that Korean poster design continues to thrive and evolve for years to come. As Kang so eloquently puts it, "The power of poster design lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to connect people and ideas across cultures and borders."
