Postmodernism

Postmodernism was a reaction against Modernism, logically being from 1960's until today, even if some critics state that we have entered the post postmodern period. Essentially, Post modernism is the opposite to Modernism; Modernism being "form follows function". This meant in art and design there was a move in aesthetics, saying to be started with Pop art.

1967-  Warhol’s color portraits of Marilyn are meant to evoke different sensations just by changing the color. This is typical of the 1960’s. This was typical of the popular screen printing process in this decade. 

The main aspects of modernism are:

• chaos
• innovation
• mixed media
• irony
• no rules
• "kitsch"
• juxtapositions
• questioning convention
• originality

Las Vegas is described as the ultimate post modern city, with its little NY etc it gives you the feeling you are somewhere else.

Andy Warhol was obviously a massive influence/icon of the post-modern period. His works of Marilyn Monroe. He works with layers of images and blocks of colour. The pieces are much more conceptual, supposedly representing the breakdown of Marilyn over her rise to fame. It made the critics question what art actually was, moving from realism into the realms of pop culture. This was a shock to the art world as it had focused on realism for hundreds of years. Surrealism is obviously a factor here, a massive part of postmodernism. It makes the viewer question the art, becoming more mysterious.