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 Historical references made within the context of a larger historical awareness 7.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
Vegetarian Vegetable 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