V&A open Postmodernism art show

The Victoria and Albert Museum is appealing to culture vultures staying in central London hotels to visit its Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970-1990 exhibition.

Following on from the venue's shows on art deco, modernism and art in the Cold War era, the next focus of the museum's historical round-up is the counter-culture stylings of postmodernism in the 70s and 80s.

Open until January 8th, the exhibit features architecture, design, music and clubbing pieces as well as boasting work by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Group.

Additionally, visitors can see the work of designer Peter Saville, who created Joy Division and New Order's record sleeves, and The Face art director Neville Brody.

"Postmodernism shattered established ideas about style," commented the museum.

"It brought a radical freedom to art and design, through gestures that were often funny, sometimes confrontational and occasionally absurd. Most of all, postmodernism brought a new self-awareness about style itself."

Furthermore, people can take part in a special event taking place on October 28th and 29th, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in postmodernism.

Billing itself as a "celebration of radical style as attitude", the event will feature live music, non-stop film screenings and practical sessions, debate and talks.

October 4th will see the venue host a short course in postmodern architecture, design and culture, with an emphasis on its impact on literature, cinema, music and technology.

Exhibition curators Jane Pavitt and Glenn Adamson will provide insights into the period that they discovered while planning the show.