Post- Modernism, Ai Weiwei and Banksy.

Definition of post- modernism

·         Post modernism came after the modernist period (late 20^th century)

·         Moving the focus from functionalism onto the aesthetics and social context of the design “the ideology of post- modern design is one of decoration and variety”(Crouch, c)

·         Post- modernist’s Use a contemporary style throughout designs, a playful characteristic “instead of the reductive, minimalist style of modernism, postmodernist architecture is noticeable by its mixture of styles” (Crouch, C)

·         Post- modernism consists of a number of characteristics, one being “relativism.” Relativism is the belief in one’s own perspective over the absolute truth “There are no eternal fix- points in life.” (Saugstad,A) Even out ruling logic.

·         Although relativism can hold a strong point regarding personal perception, no one can hold a completely relative perspective as scientific evidence will always overthrow an opposing point of view.

·         Post- modernism introduced the idea of having no grand narrative. People began forming new stories about evolution leaving the belief of one absolute truth behind i.e. a majority of the population believed in god but post- modernism encouraged pluralism “a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.”(Dictionary.com)

·         Social- constructivism is another principle relative to the post- modernist; it’s the idea that groups of people create their own knowledge and principles, forming a culture. These groups evolve around this shared knowledge and cultural meanings.

·         Constructive post- modernism is a form of post- modernism that proposes a “positive alternative to the modern world”( religion-online.org) as oppose to deconstructive post modernism where all “values are seen as baseless… life itself is meaningless”(Witcombe, C)

 
“Modernism seeks closure in form and is concerned with conclusions; post- modernism is open, unbounded and concerned with process and “becoming” (Witcombe, C)

“The post- modernist artist is reflexive in that he/ she is self-aware and consciously involved in a process of thinking about him/ herself and society in a deconstructive manner” (Witcombe, C)

Post- modernism, when relating to art, focuses on what we see on the surface of an artefact or piece having the meaning evident as oppose to needing a deep understanding. Taking attention off the art work as being unique and finished and having a wider interest in the process, performance, production and intertextuality. A dominance of popular culture over high culture is evident with a more flippant approach to making art considering more playful methods and materials to work with. Post- modern artists are generally looking to make a statement through their work whether it be positive, negative, political or social.

Ai Weiwei is one of Chinas most influential artist’s. Weiwei has “continued to create provocative and subversive photographs, installations and sculptures using found objects and ancient relics” With an Avant Garde approach. His “Han Dynasty Urn with Coca- Cola logo” is an example of how he works in a post- modern style. The ancient urn with the modern logo painted on it shows a contrast of cultures. Weiwei has used a post- modern perspective with this work as the logo has a playful aspect with attention on the media and popular culture. By painting “Coca- Cola” over the Urn Weiwei is affirming the dominance of pop- culture over high culture.

Banksy’s  “Flower Riot” has features which are clearly post- modern.  He has replaced what would probably be a harmful weapon in the man’s hand with a bunch of flower’s. By doing this Banksy has made a serious image humorous and light hearted. The insensitivity of it sends an opposing message to what it should be.

Another of Banksy’s work “Los Angeles” has post- modern aspects. A Neanderthal man holds a tray of what looks like some type of fast food, could be McDonalds and with a bone in the other hand. This image may be about the ancient and modern like the previous two works discussed coming together. Comparing how the Neanderthal spent his life constantly hunting and searching for food to live whereas now in this day we have fantastic “fast- food” which takes only minutes to prepare once you have placed your order. Banksy is constantly playing around with irony and humour in his work resulting in very controversial topics.

 References

http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2220

http://thesaurus.com/browse/issues

http://www.artzinechina.com/display_vol_aid109_en.html