Jamie Reid - Never trust a punk
Jamie Reid, born in 1952 is a British artist and anarchist Anarchy (from Greek: ἀναρχίᾱ anarchíā, "without ruler") may refer to any of several political states, and has been variously defined by sources. Most often, the term "anarchy" describes the simple absence of publicly recognised government or enforced political authority. When used in this sense, anarchy may or may not imply political disorder or lawlessness within a society. In another sense, anarchy may not refer to a complete lack of authority or political organization, but instead refer to a social state characterised by absolute direct democracy or libertarianism.) who uses his political and moral views to create outstanding and bold adverts.
This piece named 'never Trust a Punk' was created by the punk-rock designer Jamie Reid's 1977 promotional poster for the Sex Pistols' single God Save the Queen, the obvious use of the british flag stands out in a bold royal blue and a rich red. This contrasts well with the black and white ransom note style lettering and image which was created to look like it had been cut out of a newspaper. The work itself creates a definitive theme of the punk pop era as embraced by other great British designer such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. This theme or style was usually created using patriotic symbolism such as the flag, tartan prints, ransom note style lettering, safety pins etc.
The distorted flag creates movement and texture as well as denoting that the flag flies. Meaning that the British hierarchy or royal family is still in power. The obvious defacing of queen Elizabeth, a mark across her eyes and her mouth denote that she neither sees nor says anything about the problems that British society faces every day.
The design itself creates a strong and opinionated message to the audience that captures their attention with the contrasting, bright colours and ransom note style design which implies that the country is being held at ransom by the British hierarchy as well as rebelling against the usually pristine british and classic design as well as etiquette. This inspires a rebelliousness within british society as well as representing the great british fashion and design movement of punk.