Distinction Between Modernism and Post-Modernism - Essay Example

 Foster, Krauss, Bois, and Buchloh focus on a crucial event—how the seminal work is created, how the artistic manifesto is published, and the opening of a major exhibition; this crucial event tells us the story of enchanting diversity of practice and interpretation that characterizes the art of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, they made a point to explain in detail all the turning points and breakthroughs of modernism and postmodernism.

So let us understand what modernism is and what the distinction between modernism and post-modernism is. Here, these three key concepts will help us to understand the difference.  

1. Modernism is generally an artistic approach, which dominated European and American art and literature in the Twentieth Century. The key features of modernism are thought to be the principles of formalism and the autonomy of art.
2. Another aspect that forms a link between modernity and modernism is the “Project of modernity” which can be thought of as the development of science.
3. The third aspect is the concept of the avant-garde, which challenges the dominant artistic culture. Often referred to as the "inner logic of modernism", this critical force makes the art move forward towards Postmodernism.

Characterized as a critique of Modernism and the project of modernity, Postmodernism is best understood as a part of a cultural shift that has been felt in science, philosophy, and the arts. Culture is seen by others (e.g. Jean Baudrillard) as an endless play of imitation (simulation) which signals the end of authenticity and reality and the emergence of "hyperreality" (Baudrillard 1049-50)

Let us now delve into the two aspects of Postmodern Practices in the Arts

1. Celebratory is a superficial way of art; one that has no underlying purpose and the only way to take pleasure in this is through the newly discovered freedom.
2. Interventionist is when the artist becomes a manipulator of signs rather than a producer of Art. The viewer becomes "an active reader of messages rather than a passive contemplator of the aesthetic"(Foster 1066). This form of Art is described as "a social sign entangled with other signs in systems productive of value, power, and prestige" (Foster 1066)

This critique of Modernity often takes the form of a challenge to the norms and values of western culture as a whole. But this critique is losing its popularity. If we still don’t have an answer to Hal Foster’s 1996 question, “Whatever Happened to Postmodernism?”(Foster 205-226). Whatever it is that post-postmodernism finally distinguishes itself to be, we can only hope that Paul Chan’s recent article in e-flux, “Progress as Regress,” does not become characteristic of it (Paul Chan, Progress as Regress, e-Flux Journal)

We live in the modern period and what we need is recognition; we need a period of modernity that sustains despite all celebrations and lamentations of its end. This period is a gift of history; something rich in potential that has yet to be realized. We have to make an attempt to move beyond our time and in its pursuit not dismisses it, and let it be with us always.