Definition for Postmodernism
From Biology Forums Dictionary
In the arts, postmodernism (late 20th century; “pomo” for short) is distinguished by eclecticism and anachronism, in which works may reflect and comment on a wide range of stylistic expressions and cultural-historical viewpoints. Often this results in an embrace of normlessness and cultural chaos, as well as a conscious attempt to break down distinctions between “high art” and popular culture. One example is performance art, which often involves a provocative mingling of musical, literary, and visual sources. The artist’s self-conscious display of technique and artifice puts self-reference at the center of creation and presentation. Postmodern or “revisionist” architecture takes, without copying, different themes from the past, but in an eclectic manner, seizing certain moments in history and juxtaposing them. Postmodern architecture focuses on meaning and symbolism. Function no longer dictates form. Buildings explore the context of society and the environment. Its goals are social identity, cultural continuity, and sense of place. Postmodernism in visual arts is, likewise, highly individualistic, although some artists prefer to return art to the anonymity of pre-Renaissance times. One recognizable aspect of post-modernist styles appears to be a desire to return recognizable content or meaning to works of art, and the artists following these paths were reacting to what they felt was a clutter and lack of content in previous styles. One common theme apparently shared by postmodernists is a basic concern for how art functions in society. Postmodernism in dance, like the other arts, seeks the interrelationships between art and life. Typically, it rejects traditional choreography and technique in favor of open-ended scores and ordinary movement.