Postmodernism
Art after Modernism: irony, quotation, mixed styles and a questioning of 'grand narratives'.
Tap or drag the canvas to stir it · open any work to paint it with that work's colours.
What is Postmodernism?
Postmodern art is a body of art movements that sought to contradict some aspects of modernism or some aspects that emerged or developed in its aftermath. In general, movements such as intermedia, installation art, conceptual art and multimedia, particularly involving video are described as postmodern. There are several characteristics which lend art to being postmodern; these include the recycling of past styles and themes in a modern-day context, bricolage, the use of text prominently as the central artistic element, collage, simplification, appropriation, performance art, as well as the break-up of the barrier between fine and high arts and low art and popular culture.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Original Art Movements text
This is the text that appeared on this page on the original Art Movements site. It is kept for reference; some statements are simplified or out of date. Where it differs from the overview, characteristics and dates above, which are checked against Wikipedia and Wikidata, trust those instead.
The name given to a wide range of cultural phenomena, to characterise a move away from the ‘highbrow’ seriousness of modernism, preferring a more eclectic and populist approach to creativity.
The term came into common use in the 1970s. It is used both as a ‘stylistic’ term and also as a period designation.
Paintings that have been described as Postmodernist include the work of Stephen McKenna and Carlo Maria Mariani, also selected works by Peter Blake and David Hockney.
- Period
- c. 1970s – present
- Began in
- International
- Key artists
- Robert Venturi, Robert Rauschenberg, Jeff Koons, Arata Isozaki
- Related
- Conceptual Art, Minimalism, Pop Art
Key characteristics of Postmodernism
- Irony, parody and quotation of earlier art
- Mixing of styles, media and high and low culture
- Doubt about originality and progress
- Interest in identity, politics and the media
- Return of figurative and decorative art
When was Postmodernism?
Postmodernism is usually dated c. 1970s – present, beginning in International. Dates for art movements are approximate: artists joined and left, and styles overlapped.
Where it sits in art history
See all art movements in order →
The artists' lifetimes
Each bar shows an artist's life; the shaded band is the main period of Postmodernism.
Key Postmodernism artists
Artists linked to Postmodernism in Wikidata, ordered by how widely they are covered on Wikipedia. Artists marked Art Icons have a full profile on our sister site.
Famous Postmodernism works
8 works with free-to-use images, including works by key artists of the movement. Open one for details, where to see it and its colour palette.
_(3433265727).jpg)
3 facts about Postmodernism
Tap a card to flip it.
Postmodernism quiz
8 questions drawn from this page, shuffled every time. Then try the full art movements quiz.
Where to see Postmodernism
Collections that hold the works on this page. Displays change, so check with the museum before you travel.
administrative building of Nord/LB
- Tulips
Postmodernism: common questions
What is Postmodernism?
Art after Modernism: irony, quotation, mixed styles and a questioning of 'grand narratives'.
When was Postmodernism?
Postmodernism: c. 1970s – present. It began in International. Dates for art movements are approximate.
What are the main characteristics of Postmodernism?
Irony, parody and quotation of earlier art; Mixing of styles, media and high and low culture; Doubt about originality and progress; Interest in identity, politics and the media; Return of figurative and decorative art.
Who are the most famous Postmodernism artists?
Robert Venturi, Robert Rauschenberg, Jeff Koons, Arata Isozaki, Salvatore Garau.
What are some famous Postmodernism works?
Opus Hong Kong; Rover chair by Ron Arad; Eroe Elimo by Igor Mitoraj; Vanna Venturi House by Robert Venturi; Riding Bikes by Robert Rauschenberg.
Where can I see Postmodernism art?
Museum of Modern Art (New York, United States), Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C., United States), administrative building of Nord/LB (Hanover, Germany) hold works shown on this page.
Related movements
