Traits of Postmodernism

Having identified the social contexts which gave rise to Modernism, it might be
interesting (and useful!) to consider the demise of that movement, and the
emergence of what, according to Charles Jencks (1986) became known as,
variously, postmodernism; Postmodernism, and Post-Modernism!

postmodernism was coined in the 1950s to mean an overcoming of the Modern.

Postmodernism used from the 1950s through the 1970s, came to mean
Modernism in decline,
Post-Modernism, relates to the development of pluralist approaches to art and
design practices and an eclecticism of styles, prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s.
There is a fourth usage, postmodernity, in use since the 1980s a term identifying
an ideological position which criticises the values of a consumerist culture and
the information age as being manipulative and neo-conservative.
This, as we shall see, leads to what Nicolas Bourriaud has termed
Altermodernism!

The question for group discussion is:

Can we identify the traits in art and design practices during the period that
Richard Brettell calls the end of Modernism, around the end of World War II?

Some recommended reading:

ANDERSON, P. 1998 The Origins of Postmodernity. London: Verso.

Perry Anderson is an erudite analyst of the postmodern condition. Here he traces
its roots
JENCKS, C. 1986 What Is Postmodernism? London: Academy Editions.
BRETTELL, R. 1999 Modern Art 1851-1929. Oxford: Oxford U.P.
WHEALE, N. (ed.) 1995 The Post-Modern Arts: An Introductory Reader. London:
Routledge.
A typical Routledge Reader, which brings together a useful range of writings.
MASSEY, A. 1995 The Independent Group. Modernism and Mass Culture in
Britain 1945-1959. Manchester: Manchester UP.
Anne Massey did her PhD on this topic. A radical reappraisal of the influence of
the fathers (and mother) of UK Pop.
WALKER, J. A. 1998 Cultural Offensive – America’s Impact on British Art since
1945 London, Pluto.
John Albert wrote for Block, the journal that established the ‘New Art History’ in
the 1980’s. See ROBERTSON, G. et al. 1996 The Block Reader in Visual
Culture London: Routledge, for a flavour.

Howard Riley