Modernism vs Postmodernism

Modernism

Not only is it an art but also architecture, literature, philosophy, social organization, activities of daily life and sciences. What contributed the most in shaping modernism was the development of technology and the rapid growth of cities at the beginning of twentieth century. Also, after First World War, people changed their way of thinking. Hope for the better future, rejection of past and belief in connection between technology and culture led to the new way of designing.

Artists thought that art could influence people's way of thinking and their behaviour. They wanted to change the world in a way that it is a better place to live.

The main theme in modernist architecture was 'less is more', so everything was built in a minimalistic, very simple and clean way, with elimination of unnecessary detail. Also one of the principles was 'form follows function' which meant that design should derive directly from the purpose. The architect who is the representative of this movement is Le Corbusier whose seventeen projects were inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The examples of modernist architecure are Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier. The former creates subtle spatial illusions enhanced by the sunlight, has a lot of open spaces and it was built using modern materials such as marble, steel, concrete and shimmering glass. It is hard to distinguish exterior from interior. The latter is built according to Le Corbusier's five points of architecture. It has open-plan interior, a flat roof that could also serve as a garden and ribbon windows for light and ventilation.

Le Corbusier, The Villa Savoye in Poissy (1928–1931)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona Pavilion (1929)

Postmodernism

Postmodernism began in 1980s and was visible across philosophy, art, architecture, and criticism.

There is no clear definition of this movement. It can be absolutely anything as there are no rules.

While designing, artists were mainly inspired by technology: vehicles, aeroplanes, trains... What is characteristic for postmodernistic style is bricolage, collage, simplifying things, recycling previous styles and subjects, using popular culture and text as a main artistic element. All of this, by irony and lack of respect wanted somehow to deny the modernist ideology.

The perfect example of artist making this kind of art is an Italian society called Memphis Group which designed postmodern furniture, glass, fabrics and many more. They were making colorful and abstracts decoration in various, asymmetrical shapes. At this time, objects were usually designed to be functional and not decorarive. Memphis changed this having a more creative approach to design.

Another one is Andreas Gursky, german photographer who took the most expensive photo of our times titled 'Rhein'. his photographs are known for being colorful, with lots of details and with no dominant element.

Memphis Group

Andreas Gursky '99 cent'

REFERENCES

1. Dr. Malka Simon, "Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye," in Smarthistory, August 9, 2015, accessed October 28, 2018; Available at: https://smarthistory.org/le-corbusier-villa-savoye/

2. 2015 ANDREAS GURSKY / ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK / VG BILD-KUNST, BONN; Available at: http://100photos.time.com/photos/andreas-gursky-99-cent

3. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA; Available at: https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/10-iconic-examples-of-memphis-design

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_Pavilion