To some people, posters are just another piece of (gigantic) paper. But to many, especially teenagers, posters can reveal something personal. Posters are a reflection of a person’s personality. And there are a lot of types of poster art, ranging from art deco to vintage to abstract to surrealism. Here’s a roundup of the most popular classifications of modern poster art.

ABSTRACT

Abstract art is art form that is free from the restraints of real life. Romanticism, Impressionism and Expressionism all contributed to the rise of abstract art. Wassily Kandinsky (1886-1944) is considered to be the 20th Century peer of Picasso and his works are often used as examples of abstract art (as I have used one of his works, “Farbstudie Quadrate” here). Abstract art oftentimes revolves around universal and timeless Geometric shapes: the circle, square and triangle. Much of abstract art draws connections to music, because both “resound in the soul” according to Kandinsky.

SURREALISM

Surrealism describes a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s. Surrealist artists feature works that contain an element of surprise and unexpected juxtapositions. The most important center of the movement occurred in Paris and spread to literature, film and music. Surrealism’s leaders include Salvador Dali, whose poster “Swans Reflecting Elephants” is pictured here, Rene Magritte and Andre Breton.

ART DECO

Art Deco was popular from 1925 to 1939, and is a mishmash of different styles of the early 20th century, including Art Nouveau, Cubism, Constructivism, Modernism and Neoclassical. Art Deco was purely decorative, without political or philosophical intentions. Art Deco is seen as elegant, functional and modern. The style spread to architecture, with the Chrysler Building in New York being a top cited example. Art Deco is eclectic and based on geometric shapes, but is much more lavish than other styles of art.

VINTAGE

Vintage posters use “old-style” elements, such as fonts, motifs, objects and personalities from the past. These posters create nostalgia and awaken feelings and memories that have been long gone. Vintage posters started appearing in the late ’90s as the millennium approached and people didn’t want to forget the past. Then, after 9/11, when people longed for the past, vintage Web sites, T-shirts and even vintage appliances showed up on shelves.

More examples of vintage posters can be found at: http://bluewyverntea.blogspot.com/2008/07/book-your-next-vacation-with.html

VECTOR

Vector graphics use geometrical elements such as lines, curves, points and shapes that are based on mathematical equations to represent computer graphics. In contrast, bitmap graphics use pixels which get blurry when enlarged. Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing resolution.

POP ART

Pop art is a visual movement that emerged in the U. S. in the late ’50s. Pop art removes the material from its context and isolates the object, or combines it with other objects. Pop art is characterized by themes drawn from popular mass culture, such as advertising and comic books. Pop art and minimalism are considered to be the last Modern Art movements. Andy Warhol is the most popular pop art figure.

More examples of pop art can be found at: http://www.art.com/asp/display-asp/_/id–24110/Pop_Art.htm

ENVIRONMENTAL

Although not an art style, environmental themed posters are more popular than ever now, what with everyone trying to go green so it merits a mention here.