8. Postmodernism: Pastiche, Neo-Expressionism and Neo-Geo

Question 1

Frederic Jameson on Pastiche

Answer 1

“Pastiche is, like parody, the imitation of a
peculiar or unique style, the wearing of a stylistic
mask, speech in a dead language: but it is a
neutral practice of such mimicry, without
parody’s ulterior motive, without the satirical
impulse, without laughter, without that still latent
feeling that there exists something normal
compared to which what is being imitated is
rather comic. Pastiche is blank parody, parody
that has lost its sense of humor.”

Question 2

Modernism vs. Postmodernism

Answer 2

Modernism:

• Medium-specificity
• Self-expression
• Art superior to entertainment and kitsch
• Belief in originality
• Symbolic unity
• Single form
• Abstract essence
• Truth to materials
• Belief in progress

Postmodernism:
Multimedia
• Role-playing
• Mixing of high and low culture
• Re-mixing and sampling
• Playful irony
• Pastiche of references to various sources
• Decorative elements
• Simulation of materials
• Skeptical about the present and the future

Question 3

Neo-expressionism - BASIC TRAITS

Answer 3

• Late 1970s - 80s
• International movement of painting, started in the late 1970s.
• Reaction against Conceptual Art and Minimalism.
• Anti-intellectual and anti-academic.
• Frequent subjects: human body, everyday objects, interiors, media.
• Return to mythical and historical themes.
• Recurring use of language mixed up with images.
• Rough and emotional style, often with bright palette.
• References to Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
• Style that dominated the art market in the 1980s.
• Often criticized by radical art historians and critics.
• Mostly men. A few women but marginalized from major shows.

Question 4

NEO-GEO –> BASIC TRAITS

Answer 4

• 80s
• Art movement born in New York.
• Term used for a 1986 group show at Sonnabend Gallery, New York.
• Use of geometric abstraction.
• Geometry as a metaphor of an artificial reality.
• High and low culture.
• High art and commodities.
• Commentary on consumerism.
• Technology as both a promise and a threat.
• Pastiche of elements from Minimalism, Pop Art and Op Art.
• Inspired by philosophers like Jean Baudrillard.
• Major figures: Peter Halley, Haim Steinbach, Jeff Koons.