Postmodernism is a reaction to the modernism movement. The new movement took place in 1972. To understand better Post modernism one has to look back to the Modern movement and find out why this reaction took place. Modern art and design revolved around set regulations & scientific facts which were designed to improve life in general. This was done to forge a better world but this was going to be challenged by the postmodern movement.
Postmodernists challenged modernist’s notions. They were open minded and where not afraid to ask why & how? They challenged politics, creativity and philosophy. Postmodernists also took a stance on things such as women versus men and good versus evil. This was done to break down barriers, barriers that were never challenged or pushed. They looked at things that were considered to be the norm, which were questioned as they do not apply to everyone. Postmodernists fought hard for equality. They felt the duty to intervene and open our eyes so that we keep on updating ourselves and not be stuck in the past. To do this they adapted to each and every time, space and culture.
Art and design in this period made use of more liberating, creative, dynamic, quirky and unusual works. This was a reaction to the ‘ less is more’ motto of the Modernists. Collage, chance, anarchy, multimedia and repetition where all artistic forms found in the postmodern movement. Artists and designers alike made their audience reflect on the work. One can say that postmodern art and design was used as a trigger for questions.
Postmodern design furniture
Critiques though argued that the style of design of this period was too excessive. The works was said to have too much unnecessary add-ons. They were also critiqued on the fact that they recycled material from previous styles even though they gave it a new meaning, we can see this happening a lot now as things are even more being labelled as ‘retro’.
Multiple styles of storage furniture in one
Some critiques now as well as artists and designers still debate on whether we are still part of the postmodern movement. I can understand how some may think that we still are in this period, as we are still fighting to break down barriers on social statuses, fighting for gender equality, breaking down of racial boundaries and much more.
Apple’s iconic desktop computer
We are currently going through postmodernism with a great inventive attitude in design by reviving multiple art movements and educated working with that information to produce good works of design catering for the Earth’s population. I am automatically implementing this art movement to myself since I have to research other previous art movements.
Bibliography:
Christopher Butler, 2003. Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction. Edition. Oxford University Press.
Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.
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Postmodernism: Design in a Nutshell (6/6) – YouTube. 2015.Postmodernism: Design in a Nutshell (6/6) – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKomOqYU4Mw. [Accessed 29 January 2015].
What is Modernism/Postmodernism? – YouTube. 2015. What is Modernism/Postmodernism? – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ehh1b6kNWA. [Accessed 29 January 2015].
Post-Modernism – YouTube. 2015. Post-Modernism – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO_gaxFIRXw. [Accessed 29 January 2015].
Postmodernism – Postmodern Worldview – YouTube. 2015. Postmodernism – Postmodern Worldview – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMS0g6zu5E. [Accessed 29 January 2015].
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meaning and value 
