Politics of Design: Prefab
Prefab is an art collective based in the North East, born out of frustrations and a need to voice their desires.
They found that combining their talents and interests in urban art they could be part of something much more fulfilling.The work of PREFAB combines various artistic mediums including a mixture of acrylic, spray-paint, varnish and inks, mainly on wood or paper. Their work can often be seen beyond the studio and onto the street in the form of wheatpastes and large building scale pieces.
Over time Prefab has developed a distinct, dark feeling to their work which is often satirical of British life and it’s fading institutions.
Much of their imagery has a British slant, a satire on modern British living, rebelling against the establishment, celebrating/mourning the passing of great institutions, poking fun at the characters or monsters we come across in our streets and wondering what it’s all about.
Each work tells a story of modern Britain – from a ‘Riot’ print, to the ‘Loverly Jubilee’ cup with a chip in it – just like the reputation of the Royal Family 30 years after the bunting has shrivelled it embodies the collective interest in illustration, politics and graphic design.
“We love the rebelliousness of youth and their constant search to be different from their predesessors, we also love the petty foibles of our betters and contemporaries without which we would have nothing to satirise,” said Prefab.“It’s time to stop believing in authority and start believing in each other.”