My Taste Sucks?
In this project, I want to make two books with the same content but different aesthetics, one using a dystopian brutalist aesthetic (something that not a lot of people would consider “good” taste) and the other using a bright colour pop aesthetic and display fonts, to explore the meaning behind personal tastes and aesthetics.
Content
"The Age of Aesthetics" by Duo Dickinson explores the cultural and societal impact of the increasing importance of aesthetics in contemporary life.
Dickinson argues that we are currently living in an era where aesthetics, or the appreciation of beauty and style, have become more central to our daily experiences.
He suggests that this shift is influenced by factors such as globalization, technology, and changing social values. Dickinson also discusses how this focus on aesthetics impacts various aspects of our lives, including architecture, design, and personal expression.
"The Substance of Style" by Virginia Postrel explores the role of style in contemporary culture and economics.
In the preface, Postrel introduces the concept of "stereotype" as a mental shortcut that helps people make sense of the world, emphasizing the importance of appearance and style in shaping perceptions and attitudes.
She argues that style is not superficial but deeply ingrained in human nature, influencing how we understand and engage with the world around us.
"What is Good Taste?" explores the concept of taste and its subjective nature.
The author argues that good taste cannot be universally defined and is instead a personal and cultural construct influenced by various factors such as upbringing, education, and exposure to different cultures and experiences.
The article suggests that good taste is often associated with a balance of simplicity, elegance, and appropriate-ness in various contexts, but ultimately, it is a fluid and evolving concept that varies from person to person.