The prism
In the kaleidoscopic swirl of the 70s, an era in which pop culture moved between psychedelia and emerging digitalism, one particular symbol took on a significant position: the prism. Made famous by the iconic cover of Pink Floyd’s 1973 album “The Dark Side of the Moon”, designed by Storm Thorgerson and the design group Hipgnosis, the prism became an emblem that captured both the visual and philosophical currents of the time.
The prism in the culture of the 70s: more than just light refraction
A prism breaks light into its various coloured components, and in a way, the design of the prism in the 70s did the same to culture. It symbolised the diversity and multi-layered nature of an era characterised by social, political and technological upheaval. At a time when music was both a form of escape and protest, the prism offered a visual metaphor for the complexity of human experience and social change.
The prism design on “The Dark Side of the Moon” used its simple yet profound aesthetic to influence an entire generation. It embodied the marriage of science and art by utilising a fundamental physical phenomenon – the dispersion of light – to make a powerful artistic statement. This design not only became one of the best-selling album covers of all time, but also shaped the visual identity of an entire musical era and became an indispensable reference point in graphic design.
The prism as a mirror of the soul
The refraction of light through the prism on the cover led to an explosion of colours that are psychologically rich in meaning. Colour psychologists emphasise how colours can influence emotions and moods, and the prism design used this to create a link between the music and visual expression. Each colour in the spectrum could be seen as reflecting a different emotional or thematic aspect of the album, from the deep blues of depression to the energetic reds of aggression.
The prism as a subversive symbol
Ironically, while the prism is often seen as a symbol of clarity and science, the 1970s used it to challenge these very notions. At a time when social norms and scientific authority were increasingly questioned, the prism offered a form of subversive critique. It reminded viewers that all clarity can be illusory and that what is perceived as truth is often just a matter of perspective.
The prism as a cultural phenomenon
Prism design, particularly through the album “The Dark Side of the Moon”, is more than just a visual motif; it is a cultural phenomenon that has profoundly influenced the way we think about art, science and society. It shows how graphic design has the power not only to reflect, but also to shape how we see and understand the world. In the 1970s, the prism was a window through which many looked at their own time anew – as a spectrum of possibilities, limited only by the breadth of their own imaginations.
