American Postmodernism Opening Lecture Dr. Michael Filas May 22, 2006
Postmodern Theory Ontological theory (identity & subjectivity); Epistemological theory (how we understand the world); Post-Marxist critique; Death of grand narratives; Deconstruction of structures; Absolute truth is unattainable.
Contemporary Aesthetics Depthlessness Lack of affect Historicity Objectivity Mix of high and low culture Mix of fact and fiction Camp Nested Narratives / Hypodiegetic worlds Rejection of decorative beauty Cool, or coldness
Michelangelo Buonarroti (Italian) The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel,
Modernism Enlightenment (18th century Europe) Shift away from classical themes Deference to aristocracy Realism and Naturalism Rejection of aristocracy Impressionism High Modernism & Abstraction Master Narratives
Claude Monet (French) Garden at Sainte Adresse, 1876