Saturday, 27 August 2011

Post-Modernism, Ai Weiwei and Banksy

Post-Modernism
This week's ALVC tutorial covers Post-Modernism. Use the ALVC texts and definitions from the internet to define the term and answer the following questions;

1. Define Post-Modernism using 8-10 bullet points that include short quotes.

2. Use a quote by Witcombe (2000) to define the Post-Modern artist.

3. Use the grid on pages 42 and 43 to summarize the list of the features of Post-
Modernity.

4. Use this summary to answer the next two questions.

5. Research Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's 'Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola logo'(1994)
in order to say what features of the work are Post-Modern.


'Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola logo'(1994), Ai Weiwei

 


Ai Weiwei dropping a Han Dynast Urn.

6. Research British artist Banksy's street art, and analyze the following two works by the artist
to discuss how each work can be defined at Post-Modern.(Use your list from point 6.)

'Flower Riot', Banksy




Los Angeles (2008), Banksy


(1)
Define Post-modernism:
  • "Postmodernism is seem prehaps as anti-modernism in that it seems to destroy or eliminate the ingrediants that are believed nessesary for a worldview."(ALVC 2011, pg19)
  • "Postmodernism wants to replace Modernism and modernity, which is seen as threatening the very survival of life on the planet"(ALVC 2011, pg19)
  • "That postmodernism is indefinable is a truism. However, it can be described as a set of critical, strategic and rhetorical practices employing concepts such as difference, repetition, the trace, the simulacrum, and hyperreality to destabilize other concepts such as presence, identity, historical progress, epistemic certainty, and the univocity of meaning." (Standford)
  • Postmodernism has no grand narrative.
  • Postmodernism consists of a diversity of opinions, which all can be right and wrong at the same time.
  • Postmodernism is all about focussing on Pluralism, a world full of different views and opinions.
  • Postmodernism "Involves the belief that many, if not all, apparent realities are only social constructs, as they are subject to change inherent to time and place" (Wiki)
  • "Postmodernism is "post" because it is denies the existence of any ultimate principles, and it lacks the optimism of there being a scientific, philosophical, or religious truth which will explain everything for everybody" (Glossary) 

(2)
"The post-modern artist is reflective in that he/she is self-aware and consciously involved in a process of thinking about him/herself and society in a deconstructive manner, ‘damasking’ pretentions, becoming aware of his/her cultural self in history, and accelerating the process of self-consciousness”(AUT University, 2011).

(3)
Postmodernism is playfull, ironic, rebellious, destructive, questioning, involves hybridity, hyperreality, unclear equality and challenges the traditional values.

(4)
(5)
Ai Weiwei "benefited very much from his experience in the West,” says Sigg. “Many Chinese artists had knowledge of Western art, but it remained superficial because they didn’t have access to the materials and philosophy. Ai has that background.” (Art Info) During this discovery of the Western Arts Ai learnt about Post Modernism. His artwork, 'Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola logo'(1994), is a good example of how post modernism signifies the end of modernistic veiws and values. The Urn represents the seriousness, importance and significance of modernistic values. The Coke-Cola logo represents the Post modern influence over the public and how its characteristics such as lack of repspect for heirachy, breakdown of moral values and its use of comedy can cause an artefact to lose its original purpose and value or something else.
(6)
"His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine irreverent dark humour with graffiti done in a distinctive stencilling technique. Such artistic works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world" (Wiki, Banksy)
"Flower Riot" uses the typical irony of post modernism as usually a rioter throws something harmfull and dangerous, but the throwng of flowers represents a peacefull suggestion. this gives the comical side of postmodernism as it shows both the good and bad sides of the situation but in a way suggests both are good. This can cause confusion to some people which is also another characteristic of post modernism.
"Los Angeles (2008)" shows postmodernism as it represents two completely opposite sides in a way that is comical and effective. The use of a cave man with a fastfood meal represents the two opposite sides coming together in a way that actually works together  representing the unity of post modern philosophy.

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