Post on 21-May-2015
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
Media in the 30s and 40s
Media in the 50s and 60s
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CjWbemTNcw
And today
• http://www.cnn.com/
• http://www.mtv.com/
• http://current.com/
• http://twitter.com/#!/
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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I. M. PeiBuildings Become a Sign
Frank GehryLayerings of Facades
Environment Taken Out of Consideration
Fragmentary and Chaotic
Various Styles Enjambed
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Frank Gehry’s residence
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Milwaukee Museum of Art
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Petco Park, San Diego
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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
Elvis Costello clips
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNMCWGCAIME&mode=related&search=
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ_aOk2NY_k
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
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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
Post Modern Movies
• http://www.onpostmodernism.com/movies/default.aspx
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbONkZsduZs
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLEgfv9bOtA&mode=related&search=