Although our store claims to be a "specialty store for art posters," we've been posting blogs about art fairly regularly, but it seems we haven't really focused on posters themselves. So this time, we've done some research and thought about things from the perspective of "What exactly is a poster?"
To get straight to the point, it seems that a poster is defined as "a printed material composed of a flat design combining text, images, illustrations, etc., and intended for disseminating information or for decoration." Indeed, the definition makes sense in terms of the words used.
For many people, a poster may be nothing more than a "printed material" that they see somewhere in their daily lives. However, when you think deeply about its role and meaning, something beyond a simple paper advertisement emerges.
For example, when I walk through old shopping streets, I remember seeing hand-painted posters displayed in front of stores. You can also see this in old movies. I remember the content varied, including new products and sales, but looking back, I think those posters were not just advertising tools, but also "records" that reflected the atmosphere and sensibilities of the people of that era.
The Difference Between a Poster and an Art Poster When you hear the terms "poster" and "art poster," many people probably think they are similar. However, the intentions and purposes behind them are completely different.
Typical posters are created primarily to convey information. For example, movie posters, which are made to announce the story, cast, and release date of a new movie, are a typical example. It is said that conveying information accurately and instantly is the most important thing.
On the other hand, art posters are more about "enjoying" than "communicating." I myself discovered the appeal of art posters when I was a college student and first put one up in my room. It was a small room that couldn't be called pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but I remember that just by putting a poster printed with my favorite record jacket on the wall, the space somehow felt special.
How to Enjoy Posters Recently, a friend of mine started a hobby of collecting local posters they find while traveling. These are usually posters announcing local events that would normally be overlooked, but the unique designs and handwritten feel are appealing, and just looking at them conveys the atmosphere of the place.
Furthermore, the number of people enjoying reproductions of old movie posters as interior decorations is increasing. Some posters are no longer simply advertisements, but are valued as works of art in their own right. It's surprising that some can fetch hundreds of thousands of yen.
The Value of Posters in the Digital Age In an era where you can access all kinds of information with just a smartphone, paper posters aren't going anywhere. In fact, many people find the analog feel and texture refreshing. Just putting up a poster in a room can drastically change the atmosphere, right? In that sense, I believe posters possess a power that digital media simply can't replicate.
The Future of Posters Posters are not just advertising media; they are also like bridges that connect culture and emotions. The next time you see a poster, why not stop for a moment and consider what stories are hidden behind its design and message? It might just refresh your usual, familiar surroundings.
Finally, for those interested in retro posters, I recommend Ad Museum Tokyo, where you can view posters from as far back as the Edo period. It's an interesting facility where you can experience the history of Japanese posters.
- Permanent Exhibition : https://www.admt.jp/exhibition/
* Poster Collection : https://www.admt.jp/collection/category/?category_id=9
