The contemporary design today has a prominent sense of the “remix”. This can be observed in mediums such as music, clothing design, architecture and art. The cause for this form in design can be seen through the move away from the unified modernism, as people in the 1960s and 1970s USA and UK began to stand up for individuality.
An example of this celebration of cultural diversity is Dick Frizzell’s work, particularly “Mickey to Tiki”, which visually exemplifies the multiple forms of influences people face today. The way the iconic American Mickey Mouse symbol merges into the culturally iconic Tiki expresses the interrelated atmosphere of remix culture. Frizzell juxtaposes these two iconic and significant symbols, both otherwise unrelated, in a “remix” to show the way culture can be have many sources of influence. This shows the post modern move away from a single, puritanical culture where people are restricted to the “cookie cutter” positioning in society.
So while many may misinterpret remixing as unoriginal, true “remixing” is both celebrating one’s interpretation of influences and creating a unique, new view of the future.
Resource: Dick Frizzell From Mickey to Tiki. Retrieved at 7/10/2011 from http://www.prints.co.nz/page/fine-art/PROD/8217
