What is modernism? What is postmodernism?

Some state it is a concept that has been with our perspective and analysis for years. It covers a wide range of disciplines, whether in the arts, literature, architecture or even fashion. When and where it began is difficult to distinguish, even more difficult to define is why it is present in all aspects of our lives. Take a look at the images in your home, work, on the billboards, and in the shopping centers. Are these aesthetic representations of our modern society? Is it a movement or is a reaction? All around us are traces of rebellious acts. Collectively, as a society, we have rejected the Victorian standard of “how” visual arts, music, literature, and drama should be made or for that matter consumed.
In a traditional setting, students are told how to write and more drastically what to write. As a class we questioned where our emphasis lay in education: is it to create perfection or curiosity? We hope you enjoy our paintings and stories but please know that we have little concern whether you think it is good or bad, we only care that you react. Feel free to deconstruct, dehumanize, and reject what we have created—for this is post-- MODERNISM.
   

ART component

Before visiting the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena the students researched the art found there.They had to farm the museums' website.http://www.nortonsimon.org/collections/ and find 16 examples of art and show them to the class.
We asked them why they choose the work and made sure they could defend their ideas.
Here is a list of questions that they answered on their DP's by creating a page of 16 images and descriptions:

1. A work that is disturbing
2. A work that makes no sense even with the description
3. A work that shows repetition
4. A work that shows royalty
5. A work that shows classicism
6. A work that shows mythology
7. A work that shows sadness but still is beautiful
8. A work that is sculpture
9. A work that shows social injustice
10. A work that is not European
11. A work that shows love
12. A work that shows desire
13. A nude and why do you think that artist made this, you need evidence
14. A work that shows struggle
15. A work that shows just how crazy the artist was.
16. A work that shows how open minded you are.

Examples of student's farmming:

Hannaha Muenchau Dario Rosenstock

WRITING component

After a painting was selected each student was asked to gain a literary perspective, a main characteristic in post modernism. Students were encouraged to provide emphasis on first impression and subjectivity. What do you see? How do you react to this painting? Most importantly students were encouraged not “how” to write but “how” seeing takes place rather than what is perceived at first glance. Each student was then asked to write in his or her journals without guidelines—stream of consciousness. Once they broke the barrier of self-criticism and inhibition, they were ready to take flight and a writing workshop was created with a 12-15 page short story as the end result.

A blurring of fact and fiction took place, a blending of perspective and interpretation. Their first drafts were laden with typical conflicts and climax. Many students were concerned with the artist’s intention and not their personal impression. There was a tendency toward what others would think rather than a confidence in taking risks. We revisited the mantra of “trust yourself”, give your audience something to gush or gasp about, and finally call attention to the notion that each story has status and construction—let it be consumed. Postmodernism is about consumption, thus our society gobbles it ferociously.

By our third draft, collectively we were exhausted and ready to reject formal design and embrace spontaneity. Who cares what the guidelines are! It was time to produce without apology and display with little concern about voyeuristic criticism. Enjoy the 2 page bite of the student’s longer pieces.

We then visited the museum and see first hand the details and the beauty of the original art works. Each student then choose one work of art to replicate…but there’s was a catch! Rather than painting the entire piece, the student's choose a section, or “bite” of the the art work. Students choose the “bite” of the painting that they feel best represents the artists work, period and style.
 
Each student was required to complete this project, to my satifaction.
Every Wendesday I will checked in on their progress, and give 10 points if they completed what I told them to do.
You can only make up one missed check in. If you were ill, after the first missed check in you need a doctor's note and his or her phone number. If you don't finish this project I will not pass you. You will get an "F" till it is complete.