Postmodern: meaning, definitions and examples
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postmodern
[poʊstˈmɔrdən ]
Definition
art, literature, culture
Postmodern refers to a style or movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the principles of modernism. It is characterized by a general suspicion of grand narratives and ideologies, embracing instead irony, playfulness, and a mix of styles and ideas. In art and literature, postmodernism often employs self-referentiality and intertextuality, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture. It questions the very nature of reality and representation, leading to a more fragmented and decentralized approach to meaning.
Synonyms
contemporary, eclectic, ironic.
Examples of usage
- Postmodern architecture challenges traditional design.
- Many postmodern novels play with narrative structure.
- The postmodern era sees a questioning of authority.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'postmodern' began in art criticism in the 1970s, indicating a movement away from established styles.
- It combines 'post', meaning after, with 'modern', which refers to a period focused on new and innovative ideas.
Literature
- Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives and unreliable narrators, challenging readers to find their own meaning.
- Authors like Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo are famous for blending history, fiction, and meta-narratives, creating layers of meaning.
- Books like 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut question time and reality, merging different genres and styles.
Art
- In visual arts, postmodernism is characterized by mixing media, styles, and parody, as seen in the works of artists like Andy Warhol.
- 'Deconstructivism' in architecture, which involves fragmented forms and unexpected angles, is a key postmodern architectural expression.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Jean-François Lyotard argue that postmodern thought rejects grand narratives, focusing instead on localized, diverse truths.
- This shift in thinking emphasizes skepticism towards authority and meta-narratives, advocating for multiple perspectives.
Pop Culture
- Postmodern influences are evident in film, where directors like Quentin Tarantino mix genres and reference older films, creating new experiences.
- The TV show 'The Simpsons' uses satire and pastiche, blending different styles to critique society in a postmodern way.
Translations
Translations of the word "postmodern" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pós-moderno
🇮🇳 पोस्टमॉडर्न
🇩🇪 postmodern
🇮🇩 postmodern
🇺🇦 постмодерний
🇵🇱 postmodernistyczny
🇯🇵 ポストモダン
🇫🇷 postmoderne
🇪🇸 posmoderno
🇹🇷 postmodern
🇰🇷 포스트모더니즘
🇸🇦 ما بعد الحداثة
🇨🇿 postmoderní
🇸🇰 postmoderný
🇨🇳 后现代
🇸🇮 postmodernizem
🇮🇸 póstmódern
🇰🇿 постмодерн
🇬🇪 პოსტმოდერნიზმი
🇦🇿 postmodern
🇲🇽 posmoderno