**This week, we focused on the Century of Change in the context of design history. We explored how different artistic and cultural movements shaped design practices, with a particular focus on photography and Japonism. This week had particular interest for me as I had some knowledge in areas where design had influenced others around the world, so it was exciting to see what else I could do to broaden my knowledge more historically.
Our lecture began with a discussion on how photography revolutionised the way people could capture and share the world around them. It not only became a tool for documentation but also evolved into a medium for artistic experimentation. This new approach had a strong influence on print design, advertising, and fine art, helping to blur the lines between different creative disciplines.
We also looked at Japonism, which was the influence of Japanese art and design on the West following Japan’s opening to global trade in the mid-19th century. Japanese prints, ceramics, and textiles introduced Western audiences to new aesthetic principles such as asymmetry, large flat areas of colour, and intricate decorative patterns. These elements inspired many artists, including Van Gogh and Whistler, and changed how composition and perspective were approached in European art.
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I found this session engaging because it highlighted how global influences and new technologies can dramatically reshape creative work. Photography brought a new level of realism and immediacy to design, while Japonism introduced fresh visual languages that are still echoed in art and design today. Together, they show that cultural exchange and technological innovation are powerful forces in shaping the history of design.
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