Stage 1 2006/07 – Contextual and Critical Studies

INTRODUCING THE POSTMODERN (Weeks 1, 2, 3 & 4 Semester 2)

WORKSHEET 3

The lectures in Semester 2 will introduce Postmodernism and invite you to explore its forms, images, texts and ideas.

As with Modernism, the term Postmodernism encompasses many strands of thought and remains the subject of debate.The programme will introduce some of the core theories of Postmodernism but, within such a short period, will only aim to initiate your understanding of this important 20th century concept. The next task for your critical notebook therefore, is to build on our introduction by attempting your own analysis of the term, Postmodernism:

Using some of the texts below, you are now required to look at the work of either an artist, designer or writer, and taking only one or two case-studies in detail, discuss the ways in which his or her work can be classed as Postmodern.

Two web based introductions to the topic can be found at:

Bibliography:

Postmodernism: Try some of the following texts. We recommend Wikipedia for an overview but DO consult Art or Design Dictionaries for discipline specific definitions

Chilvers, Ian, Oxford Dictionary of 20th Century Art, OxfordUniv. Press,1998

Honour, H and Fleming, J, A World History of Art, Laurence King, 2002

Hopkins, D, After Modern Art, 1945-2000, OxfordUniversity Press, 2000

Meecham, P & Sheldon, J, Modern Art. A Critical Introduction, Routledge, 2000

Julier, G, Dictionary of 20th Century Design and Designers, Thames & Hudson,1997

Julier, G, The Culture of Design, Sage Publications Limited, 2002

Fiell, C & P, Design of the 20th Century, Taschen, 1999

Livingstone, A. Dictionary of Graphic Design and Designers, Thames and Hudson 2001

Woodham, J M., Twentieth Century Design, OxfordUniv. Press, 1997

Butler, C, Postmodernism. A Very Short Introduction, Oxford Univ. Press, 2002 (relatively cheap and usually available from Ottakars or try Amazon or Blackwell Publishers online)

(All available texts will be placed on the Academic Reserve in Garthdee Library)