Project 7: Pattern and Unconventional Harmonies

Andy Warhol

Gianni Versace

Takashi Murakami New LV pattern

Takashi Murakami Original LV pattern

Nathalie Lete

Nathalie Lete

Lucienne Day

Marimekko

Ikea

Marimekko

Marimekko

Analyze these and other textile patterns that you research, for use or non-use of the traditional color harmonies we used last week. This project is about the creation of invented or observed harmonies applied to pattern design. The color schemes that you use must be non-conventional, alternatives to the traditional ones that we used last week.

Consider the possibility of the colors in a puddle, or pile of garbage being harmonic or in some way beautiful. Or consider that a harmonic combination is not the only possible desired effect. In Nathalie Lete's work, especially the bags above, colors are in such complex combination that they cancel out the notion of a scheme. In Warhol and Versace's works above, the primary function of color is as reference: in Warhol the reference is to popular commercial color, and in Versace the reference is to Warhol.

In gouache create five patterns/designs full-bleed (to the edge of the paper) that explore alternative color schemes to those we have studies. If working digitally, create ten.

You will be asked to explain your working rationale/inspiration for each in the critique.

I have credited images above when the artist was verifiable. Those left blank are unknown.