Comprehensive Postmodern Art and Architecture Study Guide
Postmodernism: Reality vs. Simulation
The Problem of the "Wall":
Certain artists focus on how to break through the barrier between the imitation of the real and reality itself.
Methods include using a "crowbar" for leverage to create space between simulation and the real, highlighting the dichotomy of reality versus representation.
Reference to Plato’s Cave:
A philosophical metaphor where humans are trapped looking at a world of shadows and simulations rather than real things, suggesting a quest for true understanding beyond appearances.
Tony Bonant:
Known for confining miniature nineteenth-century landscapes within the modern contours of Hammock and Haines, illustrating the merging of historical and contemporary interpretations of reality.
Gilbert and George:
Artists who appear directly within their own paintings, blurring the lines between subject and creator, reinforcing engagement with their work as a part of the art experience.
Postmodern Architecture and the "Everything is a Text" Philosophy
Mall Architecture and Postmodernism:
Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown (architect and partner/wife) established the standard where architecture mimics shopping malls, turning spaces into venues of experience rather than mere utility.
Example: Destiny mall (formerly known as Carousel), which features sections mimicking different time periods or cultures, reflecting a collage of influences.
Architectural Messaging:
Core Postmodern Tenet: "Everything is a text," meaning every element of a building carries a message, emphasizing layers of meaning within architecture.
The Facade:
Defined as the front or "face" of the building; it serves as a primary communicator of a building’s identity and purpose.
Urgency in Design:
Some postmodern buildings feature facades that look as if bricks or cinder blocks are flying off or coming off their tracks, conveying a sense of urgency: "You better get in quickly before the front comes down," akin to the advertising strategy of "doorbuster" sales.
The Shift from Skyscrapers:
Philip Johnson and John Burgess: Bauhaus-era architects who transitioned into postmodernism, reflecting an evolution of architectural philosophy.
Critique of Skyscrapers:
Illustrated by the World Trade Center event on 09/11/2001. The buildings were deemed inefficient because their design obstructed quick evacuation during the attack, prompting a reevaluation of tall building designs for safety.
AT&T Building:
Designed for American Telephone and Telegraph (formerly known as Ma Bell), notable for its postmodern interpretation of historical styles.
Michael Graves and the Portland Public Service Building:
Graves (an East Coast architect) designed a public service building where people engage in discussions about utility bills.
The building's design contrasts with its depressing function; despite the constant rain and wet feet of visitors, it is crafted to appear like a "present" or something joyous, though it is largely flat in reality, emphasizing the contrast between form and function.
James Sterling:
Described as being "about as broad as he was tall" with a penchant for perpetual cigars.
Methodology:
He "sampled" ancient architecture, demonstrating a postmodern appreciation for historical references in contemporary design.
Multipurpose Venue:
Designed a building on a steep incline speaking to the necessity of functional adaptability in architecture’s role in society.
Review for Final Exam
Recap of Postmodern themes discussed in Chapter 30, focusing on identity, context, and the interplay of form and function in both artistic and architectural practices.
Discussion on the significance of art pieces and buildings, analyzing their messaging, socio-cultural implications, and how they reflect the complexities of modern life.
Emphasize the recurring motifs of simulation, reality, and societal roles within postmodern thought and how these concepts apply to contemporary examples beyond the lecture material.