Modernism
Modernist design promoted the idea that ‘form should follow function’, which meant rejecting decoration that served no purpose. This utilitarian approach towards creativity in fields such as architecture and design were influenced, in part, by advances in science, technology, mechanisation and militarism across the globe from the early twentieth century. These advances increased rapidly during the period after the Second World War.
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1973). Side view of Adelaide theatre complex [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160378200
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1973). Side view of Adelaide theatre complex [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160378200
Although the ideas of modernism first came to Australia in the mid-1910s, it was not until after the Second World War that modern architecture, photography and other art forms adopted these concepts more widely. Sievers was a leading contributor to this movement, both in the style of his photographs and the subjects he documented.
Modernism is way of thinking that aimed to show a ‘perfect’ representation of human society and life. In architecture, industry and design, modernism meant a sleek utilitarian design. Sievers reflected this approach in many of his photographs, framing shots to create abstract scenes from the subject (usually industrial machinery); often showing straight lines or repetition of patterns of products, pipes, girders or other structural elements, but still conveying a sense of efficiency and capability.
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1965). Aluminium profiles at Comalco's plant at Yennora, New South Wales, 1965, 3 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160295127
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1965). Aluminium profiles at Comalco's plant at Yennora, New South Wales, 1965, 3 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160295127
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1965). Aluminium profiles at Comalco's plant at Yennora, New South Wales, 1965, 5 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161406236
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1965). Aluminium profiles at Comalco's plant at Yennora, New South Wales, 1965, 5 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161406236
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1975). Transwest storage for export, Geelong, Victoria, 1975 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161108333
Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. (1975). Transwest storage for export, Geelong, Victoria, 1975 [picture] / Wolfgang Sievers. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161108333
Sievers photographed the Australian way of life from a modern viewpoint, creating a valuable snapshot of Australian culture through a window in time showcasing Australia’s technological and industrial growth throughout the twentieth century.
Learning activities
- Define:
- Utilitarian
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Innovative
- Aesthetic
- Practical
- Impractical
- Compare and contrast a modern building and an old one in your town. Conduct a survey to see which style the students prefer and why.
- Discuss the term ‘form follows function’. What does this mean? Investigate examples in real life. Are there any examples of the opposite?
- Have students consider the design and construction of public infrastructure (sewage plants, power plants, hospitals, etc). If the building’s purpose is to provide a service, should aesthetics and decoration be considered when constructing these buildings?
More to learn and do
Kathy Weeden reading her book Phonobet, illustrated by Kim Drane and published by NLA Publishing, at Enlighten at the Library 2024
