Postmodernism

Modernism is associated with:

• Experimentation
• Innovation
• Individualism
• Progress
• Purity
• Originality
• Seriousness

Postmodern condition is characterised by:

• Exhaustion
• Pluralism
• Pessimism
• Disillusionment with the idea of absolute knowledge

Although some overlap:

• Expression of modern life, technology and new materials (Modernity)
• Reaction to modern life, technology, new materials and communication (Postmodernity)

Origins of Postmodernism

• 1917- German writer Rudolph Pannwitz, spoke of 'nihilistic, amoral, postmodern men'
• 1964- Leslie Fielder described a 'Post' culture, which rejected the elitist values of modern culture
• 1960s beginnings
• 1970s established as term (Jencks)
• 1980s recognisable style
• 1980s & 90s dominant theoretical discourse
• Today: Tired & simmering

Uses of the Term "postmodern"

• After modernism
• The historical era following modern
• Contra Modernism
• Equivalent to 'late capitalism' (Jameson)
• Artistic and stylistic eclecticism
• 'global village' phenomena: globalisation of cultures, race, images, capital, products

Charles Jencks- 15 July 1972, 3.32pm 'Modernism dies'

• The demolition of the Pruitt- Igoe development, St Louis

Other building demolished in the 60's and 70's to make way for new ones

Postmodern aesthetics

• Complexity
• Mixing materials and styles
• Re-using images

Las Vegas- Post modern city?

At the end of the 1950's the purest form of Modernism painting was Formalism- theorised by the critic Clement Greenberg

Marshal McLuhan- "Advertising is the greatest artform of the 20th Century"

High art/Low are Divide

• Postmodernism begins to crumble
• Crisis in confidence and also freedom

Neo TV

• TV quiz shows
• 'Reality TV'- Big Brother
• TV shows about TV

Summary

• A vague disputed term
• Attitude of questioning conventions
• Multiplicity of styles and approaches
• Crisis in confidence
• Space for new voices
• Rejection of technological determinism