The design is so distinctive; the infusion of what was felt to be “space-age” is a hallmark of the design - the boomerang like a satellite, the fascination with chrome, the typefaces with stylized asterisks and starbursts - yet it never lasted beyond the first decade of the space race. I think the point made about mocking the associated naïveté hits the nail as to why it didn’t last, but I find the change interesting (that it was no longer seen as “wonder”, perhaps, but as being naïve). I’m fascinated more so because now, there’s some return to it - wide-eyed cartoon characters, “brutalist” graphic design, a space-y quality to colour choice and sharp lines.
Book review: Populuxe
Great read, might have to add it to the list.
The design is so distinctive; the infusion of what was felt to be “space-age” is a hallmark of the design - the boomerang like a satellite, the fascination with chrome, the typefaces with stylized asterisks and starbursts - yet it never lasted beyond the first decade of the space race. I think the point made about mocking the associated naïveté hits the nail as to why it didn’t last, but I find the change interesting (that it was no longer seen as “wonder”, perhaps, but as being naïve). I’m fascinated more so because now, there’s some return to it - wide-eyed cartoon characters, “brutalist” graphic design, a space-y quality to colour choice and sharp lines.
Another fascinating read, Mark - I've enjoyed this dive into mid-century US culture!