THE ORDER OF TIME
"Retrofuturism is a trend in the creative arts showing the influence of depictions of the future produced in an earlier era. If “futurism is sometimes called a ‘science’ bent on anticipating what will come, retrofuturism is the remembering of that anticipation.” Characterized by a blend of old-fashioned “retro” styles with futuristic technology, retrofuturism explores the themes of tension between past and future, and between the alienating and empowering effects of technology."
The author of this book, Carlo Rovelli, is a well-known quantum physicist who attempts to break down what we think we know of the structure of time and offers a more in-depth interpretation of its actual structure. He draws upon the studying of other scientists, philosophers and artists to explore different explanations of time.
Since the book is about the confusion of time and space, I have decided to implement illustrations and style that help the reader grasp the idea. To delve more into the subject, I have researched extensively retrofuturism through history, theoretical background, as well as popular culture references. A small side book was created as well. I took into consideration postmodernism - the era we live in, as it accounts for changes in how people perceive the future. Through the help of postmodern critique, I have found out that neo-liberalism has stopped society from imagining the future like before, and instead turns people’s attention towards reminiscing the past and nostalgia. The current state of the world is based on constant loops to the past in which we build relations to each other through information and communication, as the mark of this post-industrial stage we’re in. I have drawn upon old Western retrofuturistic posters and socialist constructivist designs to build flat shapes, grainy textures and minimal colour palettes. I decided the retro feel is very important for what I’m intending to do. I really enjoy illustrations of vast empty spaces and how humans are situated in them, that’s why my illustrations include just one person at a time, referencing thoughtfulness and contemplation. It directly relates to the way the author is trying to explain our pondering as human beings about our place in time and space.
