Modernism vs. Postmodernism
University Quick Course・2 minutes read
The 20th century saw the division between modernism, focused on reason and progress, and post-modernism, which critiqued modernist ideals and embraced individual interpretation and diversity in art and literature. Modernism favored abstraction and experimentation in arts, music, and literature, while post-modernism valued relativism and celebrated differences over rationality and universalism.
Insights
- Modernism in the 20th century championed reason and scientific progress, spurring abstract and experimental approaches in arts, music, and literature.
- Post-modernism emerged as a response to modernism, critiquing its emphasis on rationality and universalism, instead promoting individual interpretation, relativism, and the celebration of diversity in art and literature.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What are the two main movements of the 20th century?
Modernism and post-modernism.
Related videos
OpenLearn from The Open University
History & the Arts – Postmodernism: Design in a Nutshell (6/6)
William Wright
Mr. Wright's Art Class: Living with Art, Chapter 22 - Modern to Postmodern (+23, Globalization)
The Living Philosophy
Nihilism vs. Existentialism vs. Absurdism — Explained and Compared
William Wright
Mr. Wright's Art Class: Living with Art, Chapter 21 - The Modern World, Part 1
Art Documentaries
4/6 The Rules Of Abstraction With Matthew Collings
Summary
00:00
Modernism vs Post-Modernism: A Cultural Evolution
- The 20th century was divided into modernism and post-modernism, with the latter being a response to the former.
- Modernism stemmed from the Enlightenment period, emphasizing human progress through reason and science.
- Modernism in arts, music, and literature rejected realism for abstraction and experimentation.
- Post-modernism, influenced by technological advancements, led to individual interpretation of art and literature.
- Post-modernism critiqued modernist ideals of rationality and universalism, emphasizing relativism and celebrating differences.
