Principles of… Postmodern Art Source: Olivia Gude in “Postmodern Principles: In Search of a 21st Century Art Education” vol. 57, no.1, 2004. Reston, VA: NAEA Principles of… Postmodern Art
1. Appropriation The removal of images or material from one context and its reuse in another very different context, in order to change meaning. Copyright often is a concern. Purpose: Raise ideas about originality / authorship Exposes unrecognized irony in the original
2. Gazing More than just looking with intent…”gazing” in post-modern art is about who is being looked at and who is doing the looking. Purpose: Concerned with social issues of knowledge, pleasure, power, etc. Controlling perception of what is “real” or “natural”
3. Hybridity Refers to the mixing of media in many contemporary art works (e.g. sound, animation, video in a sculptural installation). Can also refer to cultural blending.
4. Interaction of Text & Image An action that creates a deliberate disjuncture between the meanings of an image and the text when they are combined. Purpose: To create new meaning through association / synectic thought.
5. Juxtaposition The seemingly random placement or situating of images or objects in an art work. Purpose: To cause a reaction / shock / surprise in the viewer of the work.
6. Layering A strategy of piling images on top of one another to mirror the complexity of the world and unconscious mind. Purpose: Ideas of simultaneity, coincidence, and ambiguity.
7. Recontextualization The placement of a familiar image in relation to pictures, symbols or texts with which it is not usually associated, in order to create new meanings.
8. Representin’ Locating one’s artistic voice within one’s own personal history and culture of origin. Purpose: Meaningful and authentic form of self-expression