From Modernism to Postmodernism

Postmodernism

Nighthawks, 1942

Manet, Olympia, 1863

Morimura, Portrait (Twins), 1988

Warhol, Diamond Dust Shoes

Modernism

1. Serious preoccupation with the instability of subjectivity and identity

 

2. Strong authorial presence; cult of genius

3. Radical experimentation with artistic form

Modernism (2)

4. Inner meaning and depth are assumed; the reader is encouraged to find them

5. High art makes use of popular materials, but the hierarchy of high over low is clear

 6. Historical references made within the context of

a larger historical awareness

7. Reference to archetypes, universal symbols.

Postmodernism

1. Carefree attitude toward (unstable) subjectivity and identity

 

2. Lack of central authority and meaning; “death of the author”

3. Playful self-consciousness about the conventions and media of the artistic work itself

Postmodernism (2)

4. Preoccupation with surface and ornament; denial of inner meaning and depth

5. Leveling of distinctions between high and low culture: playful “sampling” of various cultural products

6. Leveling of historical distinctions; historical and literary pastiche

7. The local is emphasized over the universal.

Pop Art

Andy Warhol

(American)

Warhol: Themes

• Celebrity

• Popular Culture

• Advertising

• Mechanical Reproduction

Self-Portrait, 1986

Green Marilyn, 1962

Mao, 1973

Mao, 1973

VegetarianVegetable

1969

Orange Car Crash

1963

Claes Oldenburg

Floor Burger, 1962

Giant Three-Way Plug

New Realism

a.k.a. neorealism, hyperrealism, photorealism

Richard Estes

(American)

Café Express, 1975

Central Savings, 1975