Post-Modernism
This week's ALVC tutorial covers Post-Modernism. Use the ALVC texts and definitions from the internet to define the term and answer the following questions;
1. Define Post-Modernism using 8-10 bullet points that include short quotes.
This week's ALVC tutorial covers Post-Modernism. Use the ALVC texts and definitions from the internet to define the term and answer the following questions;
1. Define Post-Modernism using 8-10 bullet points that include short quotes.
-Post modernism followed the modernism period which was in the late 20th century hence post meaning after.
-post modernism has a number of ideas which it consists of like relevitism which is the idea of a shift of belief from the absolute truth to ones own perspective.
-the post modernity period had a huge effect on many cultural fields like anthropology, architecture, sociology and many others as perspectives began to change away from the absolute truth.
-the term post modernity comes from the modernist critiques and is associated with the progress of beliefs and how cultures changed due to perspectives during the enlightenment.
-post modernism “involves the belief that many, if not all, apparent realities are only social constructs, as they are subject to change inherent to time and place.” (www.wikipedia.com)
-Art began to change durasticaly during this period and their was a general lack in depth( meaning and significance0 and there was more “attention to play of surfaces, images signifiers without concern for depth”
-within post modernism it also has developed many groups that develop their own beliefs and principles and forming their own cultural group this is called social- constructivism. These cultures slowly develop their beliefs and knowledge.
-their was a shift from more functionalism to looking appealing and aesthetically pleasing during the post modernism period and as said by Crouch.C “ the ideology of post modern design is one of decoration and variety” hhttp://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/ourcompany/historybottling.html) ttp://www.perina.net/index.php/en/about-mainmenu-69/articles-mainmenu-91/contemporary-originality-mainmenu-131
-“post modernism is now a worldwide movement in all the arts and disciplines.” What is post modernism, Charles Jenkins”
2. Use a quote by Witcombe (2000) to define the Post-Modern artist.
“ The seemingly anti–modern stance involves a basic rejection of the tenets of modernism, such as belief in the supremacy of reason, the notion of truth, and the idea that it is possible through the application of reason and truth to create a better society.”
3. Use the grid on pages 42 and 43 to summarize the list of the features of Post-
Modernity.
the features in art and design were hugely influenced from post modernity and their was a shift from depth in art and how it is significant to being more aesthetically pleasing and looking appealing. The interest of art is more so on the process, production and intertextuality of the piece rather than that of its finished work. There was a lot of play throughout work and less intentionin what the art meant compared to that of the modernism period, this was more seen in this period as there was a considerable dominace over the high culture by the popular culture.
3. Use the grid on pages 42 and 43 to summarize the list of the features of Post-
Modernity.
the features in art and design were hugely influenced from post modernity and their was a shift from depth in art and how it is significant to being more aesthetically pleasing and looking appealing. The interest of art is more so on the process, production and intertextuality of the piece rather than that of its finished work. There was a lot of play throughout work and less intentionin what the art meant compared to that of the modernism period, this was more seen in this period as there was a considerable dominace over the high culture by the popular culture.
4. Use this summary to answer the next two questions.
5. Research Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's 'Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola logo'(1994)
in order to say what features of the work are Post-Modern.
Ai weiwei is a hugely recognised artist throughout China who is active in the architectural field, curating, photography film and social and cultural criticis.( www.wikipedia.com) . From the pictures provided you can see he uses what appears to be old artifacts or pots and he destroys them to criticise culture which he is well known to do through all his work. “Han Dynasty Urn with Coca- Cola logo” in the below image is a very good example of how he does this and also of his work showing post modernism features. The Artifact is very old in appearance with a very popular logo on it which would have come to be long after the pots time. “Coca Cola being one of the most world wide recognised icons” (http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/ourcompany/historybottling.html) shows how the popular culture dominates the high culture and it stands out over the artefact itself. The words Coca Cola have a playfulness to it with what seems little intention but ironic as showing contrast from two very different cultures. There is a play on the surface as it is not a flat surface but curves also not smooth which is what interested people through post modernism.
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| Ai Weiwei dropping a Han Dynast Urn. |
6. Research British artist Banksy's street art, and analyze the following two works by the artist
to discuss how each work can be defined at Post-Modern.(Use your list from point 6.)
to discuss how each work can be defined at Post-Modern.(Use your list from point 6.)
Banksky plays with the idea of irony and humour through a huge number of his work which really does put perspectives into people when they view his work. The below image flower riot is a image of a man throwing a bunch of flowers the man appears to be apart of a riot and throwing objects which could harm someone but instead throwing flowers which can be seen as peaceful this piece plays with the idea of irony In a huge way which is something seen throughout postmodern art.
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| 'Flower Riot', Banksy |
| Los Angeles (2008), Banksy |
This above image of what appears to be cave man by bansky has similar ideas to that of Weiweis work described above. It shows a caveman walking with a tray of fast food. It is clearly a piece that once again plays with irony as well as peoples humour as we can see as culture and humans have developed we have access to food so easily while the cave man in the picture would have spent all day every day trying to feed himself. This image to me is like one of his other pictures which is pictured above of a yound girl in Vietnam crying after having severe burns during time of warfare while placed holding hands with mickey mouse and Ronald Mcdonald once again playing with the same idea as the caveman that we have it very easy. Los Angelos 2008 is a play with images and the surface being on a street corner shows it is playfull which makes it very post modern.
References:
What is post modernism, Charles Jenkins, published 1996
Alvc handbook pages 42 43
