Wednesday, 8 December 2010

Postmodernism

firstly you must have an understanding of modernism
- initially born out of optimism, aspirational reaction to WW1
- form follows function
associated with
- experimentation
- innovation
- individualism
- progress
- purity
- originality
- seriousness

in contrast the postmodern condition is characterised by
- exhaustion
- pluralism
- pessimism
- disillusionment

Modernism = expression of modern life, technology, new materials, communication - modernity
Postmodernism = reaction to modern life, technology, new materials, communication - postmodernity

equivalent of the term "late capitalism" coined by Jameson

Postmodernism has an attitude of questioning conventions, however surely this can become a convention itself?

celebrates what otherwise may be known as kitsch

AT&T building - perfect example of postmodern architecture

Postmodern ethics
- complexity
- chaos
- mix of materials and styles
- reproduction of imagery ironically

high art/low art divide
Roy Lichenstein, Andy Warhol, David Shrigley, Piero Manzini ( Artist's Shit)

"Advertising is the greatest artform of the 20thC" - Marshall McLuhan

Crisis in confidence, but also freedom, questioning old conventions, women, sexual diversity and multiculturalism

Inconclusion
- vague debatable term
- attitude of questioning conventions
- postmodern aesthetic - multiplicity of styles and approaches
- shift in thought - crisis in confidence
- space for new voices
- rejection of technological determinism?

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