1960s American Style, Art Techniques, Horror Games, and the Movie ‘Sinners‘

Introduction

The 1960s was a transformative era for America, both culturally and in terms of design and how people created art. The essay below examines the characteristic styles prevalent during that era, particularly in laboratories. It discusses the influence and effect of pencil drawing and colouring techniques used by artists who shaped a generation. The essay further discusses the horror game industry, notably Fortnite and its use of horror and other iconic horror games that set the industry standard. The essay discusses the movie Sinners and its influence and impact on individual creative work.

1960s American Style in Laboratory Design

During the 1960s, there was an increase in minimalist and futuristic design preferences among Americans. Laboratories followed suit, reflecting bright colours, polished metallic finishes, and innovative furniture arrangements. This was greatly fueled by the Space Age movement, which brought on the demand for modernity and technology (Smith, 2018). Individuals like Charles and Ray Eames contributed to such an appearance, combining functionality and an artistic sense (Johnson & Lee, 2020). Laboratories ceased to be mere places where science was carried out but now symbolized progress and innovative design.

The influence of the Cold War period also spurred the development of technological innovations in design, leading to laboratory designs emphasizing safety and efficiency. The design featured clean lines, sufficient light, and ergonomics for extended hours of scientific inquiry. Laboratories witnessed modular installations, which enabled quick rearrangement of space depending on requirements or scientific purposes (Hawkins, 2022). This pioneering approach maximized spaces and introduced environmental control and protection against contamination—ideas still relevant to modern-day laboratory design.

Furthermore, America’s laboratories during the 1960s reflected the nation’s dreams of space. NASA’s Apollo missions prompted a broader futurism trend, which extended to every part of laboratory gear and furniture. The obsession with sleek, metal surfaces and blocky forms was practical but also an embodiment of the technological optimism inherent to America (Baker, 2023).

In addition, the laboratories symbolized the Cold War technological competition, expressions of America’s pursuit of scientific supremacy. Equipment like electron microscopes, oscilloscopes, and modular workstations filled the spaces, symbolizing the period’s focus on precision and discovery. This design aesthetic’s heritage is present within contemporary laboratories, which still call for high expectations in both form and function.

Pencil Drawings and Color Techniques in Art

Both traditional and modern types of art also occurred during the 1960s. Pencilwork became popular for its unlimited possibilities for art. Artists using the medium favoured realism and abstraction (Williams, 2017). Professional artists like David Hockney and Bridget Riley also pushed the limits for pencil and drawing art through experimentation based on perspective, shading, and minimalist work characteristic of the era (Morris, 2019).

Colour in art also evolved with the arrival of Pop Art since artists like Andy Warhol defied rules and pushed boundaries using bold contrasts and vibrant colours (Miller, 2019). Warhol’s screenprinting gave us an era when bright, repetitive, and frequently iconic visuals became symbolic of 60s consumer culture. Others like Roy Lichtenstein also drew from comic book materials, and bold outlines and primary colours became symbolic of American pop culture.

The innovation and experimentation in colour and shade work were also seen in city building architecture and public murals. Bright, bold colours became an identifier for cityscapes across America, expressing an attitude of experimentation and disrespect for traditional guidelines for art (Jones, 2021). The painting was also done beyond the canvas, including the domains of cityscapes, billboards, and magazines, bringing art into the mass population and integrating it into everyday American life.

Horror Games in Fortnite and Beyond

Horror has been part and parcel of the video game world, and Fortnite features horror-themed events and characters that appeal to players globally (Epic Games, 2023). Such events integrate survival horror and battle royale games and are thus exciting and thrilling. The Fortnitemares event, for example, which takes place every year, features Halloween-themed environments, haunted houses, and temporary game modes that integrate horror and fast-paced game modes.

Unlike Fortnite, traditional horror franchises like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Outlast have transformed the genre, setting the standard for narrative, atmosphere, and horror-focused gameplay (Capcom, 2019; Konami, 2020). They created tension using environmental storytelling, reactive audio design, and compelling visuals. Resident Evil, for instance, set the trend for survival horror through its focus on limited resources and close spaces, and Silent Hill set the trend for psychological horror through its creepy, fog-covered town and chilling monsters (Parker, 2021).

The development of horror games proves games’ capacity to tell stories and evoke emotions. Today, horror games still push boundaries through VR capabilities, photorealistic visuals, and intricate storytelling, making the horror genre a pillar of game culture.

The Movie Sinners and Its Inspirational Influence

Sinners is more than simply a fiction movie; it is an enormously thematic study of redemption, fear, and the human ability to endure. Its emotional plot and stylistic perspective have been influential, culminating in an increased understanding and acceptance of the art of film and its impact on one’s creative abilities (Thompson, 2021).

Conclusion

The interplay between 1960s design, artistic techniques, horror gaming, and cinematic storytelling reveals the powerful influence of creative expression across different mediums.

References

• Smith, J. (2018). The American Laboratory: Design and Innovation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Johnson, R., & Lee, M. (2020). Modernism in American Design: The Eames Era. New York: HarperCollins.
• Hawkins, L. (2022). The Cold War and Laboratory Innovation. Boston: MIT Press.
• Baker, T. (2023). Space Age Design and its Influence on Laboratories. New York: Design House.
• Williams, K. (2017). Drawing Realism: Pencil Techniques from the Masters. Boston: ArtHouse.
• Morris, P. (2019). Sketching the Sixties: The Rise of Minimalist Art. Chicago: ArtHouse.
• Miller, D. (2019). Pop Art and its Legacy. London: Tate Publishing.
• Jones, M. (2021). Colour in Architecture: The American Revolution. London: Architectural Digest.
• Capcom. (2019). Resident Evil: Biohazard. Capcom.
• Konami. (2020). Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Konami.
• Thompson, P. (2021). The Cinematic Language of Sinners. Los Angeles: IndiePress.