‘Like it or not, we are all postmodern now’

Last year we were set an essay on postmodernism, and it’s shameful to say that a recent visit to the ‘postmodernism- style and subversion 1970-1980’ exhibition at the V&A has allowed me to finally understand it. In simplest terms, postmodernism is ‘A radical freedom of design, showcasing funny confrontational and occasionally absurd’ to me, translated too going against what is deemed as politically correct. So why on earth did it take me so long to understand this?

The exhibition was completely stunning, and introduced me to so many new artists whose work was truly inspirational. Vivienne Westwood- quite possibly the most postmodern designer out there showcased the subversive power dress. Printed with stills from blade runner encapsulating the post punk era, it was clear to me that her designs have influenced many other postmodern designers today.

The Lévi-Strauss dress, taken from the Autumn/winter collection in the 80’s was the oddest design I saw. To me, it was reminiscent of a crocodile, yet it made me understand that anything goes. The images of Las Vegas created by Robert Venturi and Scott Brown, and new architectural styles showcased the use of elaborate colours and buildings that were not your standard ‘boxes’ but exaggerated pieces of architecture.

My favourite section of the exhibition was ‘strike a pose’ showing that dancers, art directors, drag queens, pop stars and night clubbers influenced postmodernism. The hologram created by Edwina Orr and David Trayner of Boy George covered in polka dots, showed postmodernism at its finest. The images of Grace Jones, who turned herself into a subversive celebrity and the Talking Heads video translated into postmodern art.

The quote ‘like it or not, we are all postmodern now’ is one that I can finally understand. Some of you who read this may be thinking it sounds so simple and the fact it is, it really is.