1. Modernism and Postmodernism
Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Dora Maar
Francis Berry, Whimsical Entropy: Postmodern Elegy

2. Out With the Old
In a time of great technological advances (automobiles, communication systems, mainframe computers, etc.) Modernists saw traditional forms hindering progress.
After World War II, American society became fascinated by cultural plurality – especially concerning race and gender. As a result of this preoccupation, a collision between conformity and individualism took place.

3. A Modernist and Postmodernist Comparison
Universal truth along with a unified world-view
Subjective truth and world-view
In the “real” (beyond media and other representations of life)
Media is the new and improved reality
Originality
Innovation no longer possible or desired – remix and recycle
Humans should be allowed to self-govern
Humans are a product of their culture and only imagine that they are self-governing

4. Art
Artists should be the creator rather than the preserver of traditional styles.
Art becomes a recycling of culture, often validated by specific subcultures.
One example of radical innovation—during this time period-- includes Pablo Picasso’s cubism, a style of painting that abandons realism.
Integrates elements of cubism, surrealism, and expressionism. Postmodern art, requires that viewers add their own interpretations for the work to be meaningful.
“Isn't life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?” Andy Warhol

5. Literature
Authors explored characters’ psyches through stream of consciousness and interior monologue (Thanks Freud!)
Postmodern literature continues to explore inner states of consciousness.
Authors mixed slang with elevated language and also experimented with free verse.
Postmodern authors preserve experimental style and language usage.
During this time period we also see an emphasis placed upon the non-linear– disconnected images and plot.
The non-linear plot -- along with disconnected imagery -- is still present in both written and cinematic works.
Many characteristics are the same as modernism except postmodernism is more “playful” regarding the world's craziness.
“He looked as though his life had not only passed him by but paused along the way to spit in his face.” ― David Sedaris