Discourse – Modernism and Postmodernism

Modernism rejected the past in the evolving industrial age, preferring innovation and ‘form over function’. The focus was on originality and progress, opposite to trends of the time. Modernism sought to create an idealistic world; the Surrealists believed that they could change the world through art. Between wars the movement helped create the illusion of a brighter future. However Modernism was inaccessible to most; in its wake Postmodernist movement Fluxus attempted to break down these barriers.

Modernist beliefs were counteracted with the birth of Postmodernism, these ideas emerged around 1914 in Europe, but not until the sixties in America; where many artists had taken refuge during WW2. After warfare trends reverted to traditional methods and Romanticism; the myth of progress became unfavorable. The film industry and popular culture played a huge part, as did techniques of mass reproduction, intermedia, and conceptual art.

It is arguable if the two movements go hand in hand, or if Postmodernism confirmed the end of Modernism. MOMA and the Tate refuse to acknowledge them individually, instead combining the two. Some critics suggest a divide, personally I see Postmodernism as an extension to Modernism, for example Surrealism hugely influenced Fluxus, and Duchamp’s achievements fall under both movements.

References

http://witcombe.sbc.edu/modernism/modpostmod.html

http://www.tate.org.uk/collections/glossary/definition.jsp?entryId=174

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodernism