This work attempts to examine the movement of Postmodernism in retrospective with a special emphasis on its signature elements such as the "metanaratives", the "hyperreality", the "simulacra and simulation" and additional attached motifs like feminism, post-colonialism, gender and racial equality. It seeks to introduce the reader to a core set of characteristics of postmodernism through a close interpretation of seminal works of art (for example Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol), literature (for example Sonny's Blues, Recitatif) and cinema (for example Blade Runner) that have been considered as postmodernist.
Table of Contents
Self-understanding of High Postmodernism
Literature and High Postmodernism
Art and High Postmodernism
High Postmodernism in Retrospect
Objectives and Topics
This work provides a critical overview of high postmodernism by examining its core theoretical foundations through the lens of seminal works in art, literature, and visual culture. The research explores how postmodernist concepts like fragmentation, hyperreality, and the rejection of grand narratives manifest within creative practices and societal structures.
- Theoretical frameworks of postmodernism (Lyotard, Baudrillard, Massumi)
- Deconstruction of hyperreality in literature and cinema
- Identity formation and social marginalization in postmodern narrative
- Experimentation with form, metafiction, and non-linear storytelling
- The role of consumerism and mechanical reproduction in postmodern art
Excerpt from the Book
Literature and High Postmodernism
Dealing with hyperreality and artificial beings, In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, penned by Phillip K. Dick in 1968, the readers dived into a grim post-apocalyptic future torn apart by nuclear conflict labelled as “World War Terminus”. The catastrophe transformed Earth into an uncanny place covered with a large amount of radioactive waste, forcing governmental structures to support colonisation of other planets with help from technologically advanced androids produced to fill roles of labourers and slaves in new territories. We follow a story about an elite hunter of replicants named Rick Deckard, who desperately wants to buy a real sheep to replace the artificial one he and his wife owns.
Compared to Ridley Scott´s Blade Runner (1982), Dick puts, even more, emphasis on the role of real animals that are presented in his book as an extremely rare and valuable commodity, having two important functions defining the economic and socio-cultural status of their owners. Firstly, real animals are due to their scarcity precious, and only members of the upper class can buy them because they are extremely expensive. Secondly, animals play a role of comfort objects and social manifestations of owner´s emotional capacity for feel empathy in connection to all living creatures. Fort this reason, Deckard accepts a job to hunt down and “retire” six runaway replicants in cooperation with local San Francisco police forces (Dick).
Summary of Chapters
Self-understanding of High Postmodernism: This chapter introduces key postmodern theories, specifically focusing on Lyotard’s concept of the decline of metanarratives and Baudrillard’s analysis of simulation and hyperreality.
Literature and High Postmodernism: This section investigates how literature addresses postmodern themes, analyzing works by Philip K. Dick, James Baldwin, Jean Rhys, and Toni Morrison to highlight identity, race, and social exclusion.
Art and High Postmodernism: This chapter examines the intersection of pop culture and art, focusing on Andy Warhol’s mechanical production methods and Banksy’s subversive, multi-dimensional street art.
High Postmodernism in Retrospect: The final chapter reviews the legacy of high postmodernism, assessing how its influence has evolved and identifying its "ethical limitations" in contemporary discourse.
Keywords
Postmodernism, Hyperreality, Simulacra, Metanarratives, Identity, Metafiction, Consumerism, Pop Art, Fragmentation, Social Exclusion, Empathy, Rebellion, Discourse, High Culture, Low Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work explores the critical self-understanding of high postmodernism by examining its theoretical underpinnings and its practical application in various forms of art, literature, and culture.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The paper covers the collapse of metanarratives, the nature of simulation and hyperreality, the struggle of marginalized identities, and the subversion of traditional artistic norms.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive critical overview of high postmodernism and assess how it has shaped and been reflected by significant cultural and literary products of the late 20th century.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The work employs qualitative analysis of primary literary and artistic texts, interpreted through the lens of established postmodern critical theory and cultural discourse.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body treats the theories of Lyotard, Baudrillard, and Massumi, alongside case studies of authors like Dick and Morrison, and artists like Warhol and Banksy.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as hyperreality, simulacra, identity, consumerism, and postmodernism.
How does the author evaluate the "simulacra" in relation to Disneyland?
The author uses Disneyland as a prime example of simulated reality where the park is constructed to imply that the outside world is "real," thereby highlighting the dominance of simulation over genuine reality.
How does the author interpret Banksy's role in postmodernism?
Banksy is seen as a key contemporary postmodern figure who uses guerrilla tactics, irony, and the subversion of commercial art to critique consumerism and dominant social narratives.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the "postmodern moment"?
The author suggests that while the "postmodern moment" has largely passed, its themes remain relevant, though they have been reshaped by globalization and contemporary critical studies.
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- Dr. Martin Mares (Autor:in), 2017, High Postmodernism and Its Self-Understanding. Seminal Postmodernist Work of Art, Literature and Visual Culture, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/505059
