Post-Modernism

A Limited Introduction

Defining Post-Modernism

• Post-Modernism labels art, literature, music, and architecture.

• Attempting to describe P-M is a difficult task.

• More than any other period, the definition of P-M is often determined by a comparison/contrast to another period.

Characteristics of P-M

No overarching narrative or explanation

Look to non-west religion, social habitation, self-actualization

temporal disorder

External versus internal

No overarching truth; truth does not exist.

mingled characteristics; mixed genres

experimentation Fragmentary and chaotic

A blending and questioning of the real vs. the fictional

Post-Modern Statements

• The quest for truth is a lost cause.• A person’s sense of identity is a composite

constructed by the forces of the surrounding culture.

• The languages of our culture literally construct what we think of as “real” in our everyday existence.

• Reality is created by those who have power.

Media in general is very P-M

• Commercials

• Newspaper/Magazine Advertisements

• Internet Pop-ups

• The infamous Pre-Movie

Architecture

• Post-Modern changes in architecture

• Layerings of facades

• Competitive increases in signs and symbols

• Buildings become a sign

• Environment taken out of consideration

• Various styles enjambed

Various Styles Enjambed

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Frank GehryLayerings of Facades

Fragmentary and Chaotic

Frank Gehry’s residence

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Milwaukee Museum of Art

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Soldiers’ Field, Chicago

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Postmodern Music

• Cowboy Junkies• Cake• Talking Heads• Elvis Costello• Death Cab for Cutie• Weezer

• Siguros• Beck• Beastie Boys• Outkast• Modest Mouse• Radiohead • Kanye West

Talking Heads, Burning Down the House, Live

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNnAvTTaJjM

Beck, Fugees, Siguros

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPfmNxKLDG4

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YAEWrnOtrY

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr_MJAOyOeU

Kanye, Beastie Boys, Weezer

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIbnlvjF5PY

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co0tTeuUVhU&ob=av2e

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE

Kanye West and Radiohead

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7W0DMAx8FY

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B6n6Z3TAjk

John Cage, 4:33

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUJagb7hL0E

Post-Modern Art

Postmodern Television

• We have four kinds of postmodern television.

• Each of these borrows from the grid of Postmodern characteristics.

• Pastiche

• Spectacle

• Faux T.V.

• Mystery

Pastiche—a humorous rehash of something already famous within our culture.

• The Simpsons

• Family Guy

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer

• Reno 911

Spectacle—a show that caters to the most base and shallow within us.

• The Real World

• Jackass

• Cops

• Survivor

Faux T.V.—Self referential shows, shows about shows, fake news

• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

• The Colbert Report

• Seinfeld

• The Office

• The Hills

Mystery—Bizarre searches for the unknown, including spirituality, philosophy, and technology

• Twin Peaks

• Lost

• X-Files