Modernism and Postmodernism

Clement Greenberg

Modernism-art/avant-garde-original, new; not commonOr imitative-art for art’s sake, (pure, abstract, processes of art)-renounces narrative, literature-audience is cultivated,Minority, powerful

Postmodernism-kitsch/ rear-garde-imitative, common,Popular, commercial-art as entertainment,Industry/effect-narrative, Literature, life’s experience, politics-mass audience, majority, public domain

Modernism StyleTruth to materialSelf referentialOriginalityMuseum and GalleryInformed audience

PostmodernismcontentMixed mediaExtra aestheticReferential; AppropriationDiverse site/indoor/Outdoor (diverse audience)

Romare Bearden, Prevalence of Ritual: Mysteries, collage, 1964

Betyre Saar, Liberation of Aunt Jemima,Mixed media, 1972

Barbara Chase Riboud,Monument to Malcom XMixed media, 1969

Melvin Edwards,Gate to Ogun, Welded Stainless steel, 1983

Edward Clark, Wasted Landscape, oil on canvas, 1961

Edward Clark, The Crescent, Acrylic on canvas, 2006

Norman Lewis, Harlem Turns White, oil on canvas, 1955

Sam Gilliam, Carousel Form II, 1969

Howardena Pindell,Autobiography:Water/Ancestors/Middle Passage/Family Ghosts, mixed media, 1988

A French print “La Belle Hottentot” after the display and objectification of Sarah Bartman (Saartje Bartman)

Renee Cox,Saartie Bartman(Hottentot Venus)Photography, 1995

David Hammons, Injustice Case,Mixed media on canvas, 1970

Lorna Simpson, Guarded Conditions, photography + Texts, 1989

OBAC, Wall of Respect, Chicago, 1967

Reginald Gammon,Freedom Now, 1965--appropriation of Moneta Sleet Jr.’sPhotograph of the march on Washington D.C

Richard Hunt, I Have Been to the Mountain, welded corten steel,Martin Luther King MemorialMemphis, Tennessee, 1977

Richard HuntJacob's Ladder1997cast and welded bronze

Wilfredo LamFemme Oiseau1957. Oil on canvas, 91x73 cm.

Wilfredo Lam,Femme Cheval1955 (ca.). Oil on burlap, 91,7x72,7 cm

Wilfredo Lam, "The Jungle", 1942-44   240 x 228 cm., Museum of Modern Art, NY