Why We Are Out of Harmony with Our Surroundings
In today’s world, the noticeable dissonance between people and their environment stands out, causing concern for many. We live in the postmodern era, a time of confusion and misunderstanding, where many of us feel a profound lack of harmony not only within ourselves but also with others, nature, and society at large. While disharmony is not a new phenomenon in human history, it has reached particularly acute levels in our time.
The farewell to the Age of Enlightenment and the transition from modernism to postmodernism were driven by numerous factors, encompassing new artistic and philosophical forms of expression, changes in communication methods, and a radical reassessment of our relationship with reality. An example of this is the sharp rise in interest in ecological issues and a new wave of climate change activism. In the art world, this is reflected in the emergence of installation projects that interact with the natural environment, such as the works of Andy Goldsworthy.
The term “modern” means “new” and “contemporary.” At one time, modernism was the avant-garde, revolutionizing art, science, and philosophical concepts. However, time has shown its influence, and modernism ceased to match the realities of people’s lifestyles and thinking, giving way to postmodernism. For instance, modernist architecture was characterized by strict lines, functionality, and minimalism. In contrast, postmodern architecture brought eclecticism, playfulness with forms, and irony, as seen in the works of Frank Gehry or Ricardo Bofill.
Postmodernism, as a new phase in artistic and cultural development, demands a rethinking of the world from fresh perspectives. It forms new paradigms of thought and behavior, which is inherent in its very nature. In this sense, postmodernism is unique and radically different from previous philosophical and cultural movements. For example, in literature, postmodernism manifests through the decentralization of the plot and the blending of genres, as can be observed in the novels of Thomas Pynchon or Umberto Eco.
Modern Style: Eclecticism, Romanticism, and Innovations
The Modern Style, also known as Art Nouveau, emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as a bold reaction against the outdated traditions of classical art. This revolutionary approach sought to break free from the conventional and create something new and unique, independent of past standards and aimed at innovation. One of the core beliefs of modernism was the desire to sever ties with traditional aesthetics and employ unexpected materials and forms. Boldness and openness to new trends became hallmark characteristics of this style.
Artists and designers of the modern era looked forward, turning away from the stereotypical solutions of the 19th century. They infused their works with decorative elements and sensuality, placing significant emphasis on eclecticism and romanticism. For instance, Antonio Gaudí’s “Casa Batlló” in Barcelona exemplifies the perfect harmony of these traits: the winding lines of its facade echo natural forms, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
The birth of modernism also involved a cultural dialogue between the West and the East. A particularly striking example of this influence was the Japanese ukiyo-e prints, which inspired many Western artists with their unique perspective on nature and intricate use of lines. Vincent Van Gogh, for example, was captivated by Japanese culture and produced several works influenced by it, including copies of well-known prints.
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It was during this time that modernists realized that art could, and should, be a part of everyday life. Designers and architects began integrating artistic elements into everyday objects and buildings, making them not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. A glance at Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s furniture showcases the modernists’ aspiration for a harmony of form and function.
Despite the success and influence of the Modern Style, time did not stand still. Soon, the boundaries of art began to expand once more, and postmodernism emerged, bringing its own innovations and ideas. Nevertheless, Modern Style left an indelible mark on art history, demonstrating the importance of striving for the new and not fearing to break away from traditions.
What is Postmodernism and Its Main Characteristics
Postmodernism is a multifaceted cultural movement that emerged in the Western world as a reaction against the outdated principles of modernism. It’s considered a revolution in art, philosophy, and literature, challenging previously unassailable concepts. This movement signifies a shift towards new ways of thinking, emphasizing aesthetic, epistemological, ontological, and historical-cultural aspects.
The ontological aspect of postmodernism is particularly intriguing. It deals with our understanding of the nature of reality and existence. Changes in reality can provoke a “retaliation” from the objects within it. For instance, in literature, this can manifest through characters rebelling against their creator, creating a sense of instability and unpredictability. Postmodernism thus responds to the exhaustion of the modernist worldview, paving the way for fresh perspectives and ways of describing the world.
The rejection of systematic and holistic approaches is a hallmark of postmodernism. There isn’t an effort to create a unified, all-encompassing view of reality. In the postmodern view, individuals are seen more as random occurrences rather than the result of deliberate choices. This illustrates the absence of traditional concepts of identity and free will. A prime example is Julian Barnes’ novel “A History of the World in 10½ Chapters,” where the book’s structure and narrative are intentionally fragmented, reflecting the fragmented nature of postmodern thought.
In postmodernism, the line between destruction and creation is blurred. This cultural movement distances itself from conventional notions, seeing any artistic process as inherently constructive. The boundaries between high art, popular culture, and scientific thought are obscured. An iconic example is Andy Warhol’s work, which questioned the barriers between “high” and “low” art by introducing everyday items, such as Campbell’s soup cans, into the gallery world.
In essence, postmodernism represents a departure from the focus on individual freedom and conscious choice of destiny, offering instead a more intricate and ambiguous perspective on the world. Despite its complexity and many layers, this movement remains relevant and inspiring for numerous contemporary authors. It manifests in critical literary works and artistic experiments, such as Quentin Tarantino’s films, which play with genres, styles, and audience expectations, breaking traditional narrative and structural conventions.
Postmodernism and Its Influence on Human Consciousness
In today’s culture, there are two fundamentally different perspectives on the mind: on one hand, the recognition of the mind as the foundation of human activity; on the other, a critique of reason and its normative functions. In cultural spaces where the latter viewpoint prevails, we encounter the phenomenon known as postmodernism.
Postmodernism, by nature, rejects the norms and traditions of the past in a constant pursuit of innovation and uninhibited self-expression. This philosophical and cultural approach triggers radical changes in both society and the arts. For instance, postmodernist architecture breaks the rigid rules of classical style, offering eclectic, bold, and experimental designs. Similarly, in literature, traditional linear narratives are often absent, and characters are portrayed as complex and ambiguous figures.
However, the spirit of postmodernism’s love of freedom often leads to extremes. Skeptical intellectuals and artists question existing models of social change, hindering their justification and implementation. While postmodernism rejects revolutionary systemic overhauls, it still advocates for radical changes in life and social processes. This ethos is vividly reflected in contemporary art, where unconventional expressive means aim to shatter stereotypes and challenge the viewer.
It’s interesting to note that Russian culture has also fallen under the influence of postmodernism. One of the hallmark features of this movement in Russia is the tendency to reject the past and all things traditional. This is evident in the themes chosen by writers and the concepts explored in visual arts, where artists aim to deconstruct familiar images and symbols. The question of which cultural and philosophical movement will succeed postmodernism and how it will impact people’s consciousness remains relevant and open for debate. Will the next era be defined by a return to traditions, or will it bring about new radical changes? Only time will tell.
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