Post-Modern Blog

The post-modern art era is a period in art history that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a rejection of the modernist emphasis on originality, authenticity, and the universal language of art. Instead, post-modern artists mostly focus on fragmentation, appropriation, and the use of multiple references and styles. They often borrowed from popular culture, mass media, and other sources outside of the traditional art world to create works that were self-referential, ironic, and critical of dominant social and cultural structures. Post-modern art can take many different forms, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, performances, videos, and digital media. Many different themes were introduced in these artworks, such as diversity. For the sake of this blog, we will be looking at six different artworks from three different artists that have had a huge influence on diversity. 

Diversity in an artwork is described as the representation of a wide range of perspectives, experiences, identities, and cultures. It is the inclusion of different voices and viewpoints that reflect the complexities and diversity of the human experience. Diversity in artworks can take many forms, such as portraying individuals or groups of different races, genders, abilities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religions. It also involves exploring and challenging stereotypes, biases, and cultural norms. Through diversity, artwork can create opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and empathy, and help promote social justice and equality. 

The first artwork that we will be looking at is called Our Town. It was created by Kerry James Marshall in 1995. The exact location where the painting was created has not been specified, but Kerry James Marshall was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. It's possible that the painting was created in his studio in Chicago. Our Town is derived from a Thornton Wilder play from 1938 with the same name. The painting is heavily influenced by diversity, and it is a celebration of the diverse community that exists in urban neighborhoods. Marshall intentionally portrays a mix of Black, white, Asian, and Latino figures in the painting, highlighting the idea that people of different races and ethnicities can coexist and thrive together. The painting challenges the conventional notion that certain neighborhoods are reserved for certain races or ethnicities, and it promotes the idea of a more inclusive and integrated society. By depicting a diverse group of people engaged in everyday activities, Marshall humanizes the individuals and underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity. 

The color scheme of the painting is a mix of bright and bold hues that contribute to the painting's lively and vibrant atmosphere. The warm shades of red and orange, cool shades of blue and green, and deep shades of purple and brown create a sense of energy and movement throughout the scene. The shapes and forms in the painting are very striking and eye-catching. The figures in the scene are depicted in bold and graphic shapes that are emphasized by the use of black outlines. The buildings and surrounding environment are also depicted in strong geometric forms that create a sense of structure and order. The placement of the figures in the painting plays a very significant role. Marshall places the figures in many different poses and positions, creating a sense of movement and activity that catches attention. The figures are positioned in a way that suggests community and connection, and the overall composition creates a sense of harmony and balance. The emotions conveyed in the painting are complex and nuanced. While the overall tone of the painting is celebratory and joyful, there is also a sense of struggle and resilience that is conveyed through the expressions of the figures and the textures and details in the environment. The painting conveys a sense of hope and optimism, however, it also acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that come and go when living in a diverse and dynamic community. Overall, this painting is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work of art that celebrates the beauty and complexity of diversity. 

Here is another artwork created by Kerry James Marshall, called Better Homes, Better Gardens. It was created in 1994 in the United States. This painting depicts a suburban housing development with Black residents. This is another painting that is heavily influenced by diversity, and it challenges the notion that certain neighborhoods are reserved for certain races or ethnicities and underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity. Marshall's exploration of Black identity, culture, and history is a central aspect of his artistic practice, and his work often celebrates the beauty and complexity of diverse communities. Better Homes, Better Gardens is a great example of Marshall's commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance, while also challenging stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate social and economic inequality. 

I must say that this painting is very rich in detail and emotion. The painting's use of color, shape, and form work together to create a vibrant and dynamic scene that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The warm, earthy tones used to depict the houses create a sense of stability and continuity, and the bright blue sky creates a sense of optimism and hope. The uniformity of the houses suggests a sense of conformity and order, while the presence of Black residents challenges this idea, adding an element of diversity and vitality to the scene. The figures in the painting are depicted engaged in everyday activities, such as gardening and playing, which adds to the sense of community and connection within the development. Marshall's use of placement and form also adds to the emotional impact of the painting, with the figures arranged to create a sense of movement and energy. Altogether, the use of color, shape, and form creates a dynamic and vibrant scene that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, inviting the viewer to reflect on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in our society. 

Up next, here we have The Swing (after Fragonard). It was created by Yinka Shonibare in 2001 in London. The work depicts a young girl in a period dress sitting on a swing, with one leg extended and a playful expression on her face. The sculpture is notable for its use of African-inspired textiles and patterns, which are used to cover the girl's dress and the ropes of the swing, adding a layer of complexity and depth to the work. This sculpture has a huge influence on diversity. It is part of Shonibare's ongoing exploration of cultural identity, colonialism, and globalization, and references both European art history and African textile design. Shonibare's use of African-inspired textiles and patterns is a central aspect of the sculpture and serves to challenge traditional notions of cultural identity and representation. The use of these textiles, which are often associated with African culture and identity, is applied to a European-style period dress, creating a hybrid identity that blurs the boundaries between cultures. The young girl depicted in the sculpture is also significant in terms of diversity. She is portrayed as a playful and carefree figure, challenging the stereotypes and prejudices often associated with Black identity in Western art and culture. 

The use of color, shape, and form work together to create a dynamic and visually captivating work of art. The use of African-inspired textiles and patterns to cover the girl's dress and the ropes of the swing adds a layer of complexity and depth to the work, creating a striking visual contrast between the bold, vibrant patterns and the neutral tones of the dress and the swing. The placement of the young girl on the swing creates a sense of movement and energy, and the playful expression on her face creates a sense of joy and vitality in the sculpture. The composition of the work is also noteworthy, with the girl's extended leg and the swinging motion of the swing creating a sense of dynamism and fluidity. Overall, The Swing is a great and stunning example of the power of art to challenge stereotypes and prejudices and to celebrate the diversity that makes our world so rich and complex. 

Here is another work created by Yinka Shonibare, called Nelson's Ship in a Bottle. It was created in 2010 in London. The sculpture depicts a scaled-down replica of Admiral Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, enclosed within a glass bottle and covered with colorful African-inspired textiles. The sculpture is a commentary on the complexities of cultural identity and the role of colonialism and globalization in shaping our understanding of history. The work challenges traditional notions of cultural identity and representation, highlighting the rich and diverse histories that make up the fabric of our global community. The use of African-inspired textiles and patterns to cover the ship is a signature element of Shonibare's work, and it serves to challenge the dominant narratives of colonialism and globalization that have shaped our understanding of history. The textiles create a visual contrast between the traditional European iconography of the ship and the vibrant colors and patterns of African textiles, emphasizing how different cultures have interacted and shaped one another over time. At the same time, the ship itself is a nod to Britain's colonial past and the role that the country played in shaping the world as we know it today. By enclosing the ship within a bottle, Shonibare highlights how history can be contained and confined, while also suggesting that our shared histories cannot be contained or limited by the boundaries of any one culture or nation. 

The colors and patterns used for the sculpture are vibrant and eye-catching and it creates a sense of movement and energy that catches attention. The shape and form of the ship are also noteworthy. The use of a glass bottle to enclose the ship creates a sense of fragility and containment, which gives it the idea that history can be confined and controlled. The sculpture was originally placed in Trafalgar Square. The placement of the sculpture has emphasized the idea that history is not just something that is confined to museums or galleries, but it is also something that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our public spaces and our everyday lives. 

The next artwork we will be looking at is called Trace. It was created by Ai Weiwei in 2014 in his studio in Berlin, Germany. The work consists of portraits of 176 individuals who have been detained, arrested, or exiled because of their beliefs or affiliations, made out of thousands of Lego bricks. The individuals represented in the work come from a wide range of backgrounds and countries and include activists, dissidents, and other outspoken critics of authoritarian regimes. By using Lego bricks to create the portraits, Weiwei draws attention to the universal appeal of this ubiquitous toy, which transcends language, culture, and nationality. The work also highlights the diversity of the individuals portrayed and emphasizes the importance of free speech and expression as fundamental human rights that must be protected. Through his work, Weiwei confronts the viewer with the human cost of political oppression and the need for greater awareness and action to promote diversity and human rights around the world. 

The use of a limited color palette creates a sense of austerity that is fitting for a work about political oppression and human rights abuses. The portraits themselves are minimalistic in design, with each one consisting of simple, geometric shapes arranged in a grid pattern. The placement of the works on the floor also contributes to the aesthetics of the work. By placing the work at ground level, Weiwei invites the viewer to walk among them, and this creates a connecting sense with the represented individuals. At the same time, the sheer number of portraits creates a sense of overwhelming scale, emphasizing the scope of political oppression and the urgent need for action to protect human rights. Overall, this work was one of awe and reverence for the power of art to communicate important messages about the human condition. 

Here is another work created by Ai Weiwei called Straight. It was created between 2008 and 2012 in China. The installation is composed of 150 tons of steel rebar recovered from the collapsed schools in Sichuan province after the devastating earthquake that hit the region in 2008, which killed over 5,000 schoolchildren. The use of material for this work not only adds a powerful symbolic dimension to the artwork but also highlights the diversity of materials that can be used in contemporary art. The work also reflects the diversity of human experience and emotion. It is a response to the tragic loss of life that occurred during the earthquake, particularly the many schoolchildren who lost their lives. By creating a monumental sculpture out of the twisted and distorted steel rebar that was responsible for their deaths, Weiwei seeks to convey the pain and sorrow of this experience. In doing so, he creates a work of art that speaks to the universal experiences of loss, grief, and resilience that are part of the human condition. 

The steel rebar stretched across the room like a jagged and imposing barrier, its sharp angles and heavyweight conveying a sense of danger and menace. The color of the rebar, a muted grey-brown, added to this feeling of foreboding, and the material's rough texture and unfinished edges only heightened its visual impact. The steel rods were arranged in a precise and orderly fashion, and the straight lines and geometric shapes create a sense of balance and order. At the same time, this sculpture was a product of intense labor and effort, as evidenced by the many visible welds and the occasional bent or twisted rod. By occupying the entire gallery space, the artwork demands full attention and presence. The work creates a sense of awe and reverence for the sheer physical presence of the sculpture. However, due to the inspiration and background story of this artwork, the work also creates a sense of sadness and anger. 

I must applaud the courage of the artists in creating these awesome masterpieces. After all, people should raise awareness and talk more about diversity. By doing so, people would appreciate and respect the differences among individuals and groups, as this helps to promote a culture of inclusion. With this, people from different backgrounds and experiences will feel more valued and respected by others around them. 

Citations: 

“Our Town by Kerry James Marshall.” Sartle, May 16, 2022. https://www.sartle.com/artwork/our-town-kerry-james-marshall.

“Complex Narratives Part of the Allure of Kerry James Marshall's Work.” Complex narratives part of the allure of Kerry James Marshall's work - south southwest. Accessed April 19, 2023. https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=ab8591f8-e464-4333-aef3-19c7da09028c.

Tate. “'The Swing (after Fragonard)', Yinka Shonibare CBE, 2001.” Tate, January 1, 1970. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/shonibare-the-swing-after-fragonard-t07952#:~:text=The%20Swing%20(after%20Fragonard)%20is,attached%20to%20the%20gallery%20ceiling.

“Yinka Shonibare's Message in a Bottle: Hybrid Citizen-Ship.” The Studio Museum in Harlem, December 1, 2022. https://www.studiomuseum.org/article/yinka-shonibare%E2%80%99s-message-bottle-hybrid-citizen-ship.

“Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn - Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Smithsonian.” Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden | Smithsonian, October 2, 2020. https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/ai-weiwei-trace/.

“Ai Weiwei - the Sichuan Earthquake & 90 Tons of Steel.” What is Ai Weiwei's Straight about?, July 27, 2022. https://publicdelivery.org/ai-weiwei-straight/.