Flipped Learning - Trends and Movements
What is Modernism?
Modernism was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a response to the rapid social, political, and technological changes of the time, including industrialization, urbanization, and the devastating impact of World War I.
Modernist writers and artists challenged traditional forms and conventions, seeking new ways to express the complexities of the modern world. They explored themes of alienation, fragmentation, and the loss of traditional values.
Individualism:
Modernism emphasized the individual's experience and perspective. It moved away from portraying characters as representatives of a larger social class or moral ideal, and instead focused on their unique consciousness, often exploring their inner thoughts, feelings, and psychological struggles. This focus on subjectivity is a hallmark of Modernist literature.
Experimentation:
Modernists were innovators. They rejected traditional literary forms and conventions, seeking new ways to express the complexities of modern life. This experimentation manifested in various techniques, including:
Stream of Consciousness:
A narrative technique that mimics the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind, often jumping between ideas and impressions without traditional narrative structure.
Fragmentation:
Breaking down narratives into disjointed pieces, reflecting the fragmented nature of modern experience. This could involve non-linear timelines, abrupt shifts in perspective, and incomplete or interrupted narratives.
Interior Monologue:
A type of stream of consciousness that presents the unspoken thoughts of a character, often revealing their hidden anxieties and desires.
Juxtaposition:
Placing contrasting images, ideas, or events side by side to create a specific effect, often highlighting the contradictions and complexities of modern life.
Absurdity:
Modernist literature often explored the sense of meaninglessness and alienation that many people felt in the face of a rapidly changing and often chaotic world. This could manifest as a focus on the irrational, the illogical, and the breakdown of traditional values and beliefs. The world, as depicted by Modernists, could often feel absurd and without inherent meaning.
Symbolism:
Modernists used symbols extensively to represent abstract ideas, emotions, and experiences. Unlike traditional symbolism, Modernist symbols were often more ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting the uncertainty and complexity of modern life. The meaning of a symbol could shift and evolve within a work, adding layers of complexity to the text.
Formalism:
Modernists paid close attention to the form and structure of their work. They were self-conscious about the artifice of writing and often drew attention to the constructed nature of their narratives. This focus on form could involve experimentation with language, typography, and visual layout, as well as a deliberate disruption of traditional narrative structures. The way a story was told was as important, if not more so, than the story itself.
Explain ‘Stream of Consciousness’:
Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that aims to replicate the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind. It's like eavesdropping on the inner workings of their brain, capturing the jumbled, often illogical, and associative nature of their thoughts.
Key Features:
No Strict Logic: Unlike traditional narratives, stream of consciousness doesn't follow a linear plot or clear cause-and-effect. Thoughts jump between ideas, memories, and sensations without a set order.
Focus on Subjectivity: It emphasizes the unique and often chaotic inner world of each individual, highlighting the subjective nature of human experience.
Free Association: Thoughts are presented in a free-flowing manner, often following the principles of free association, where one thought triggers another seemingly unrelated one.
Interior Monologue: Often takes the form of an interior monologue, presenting the unspoken thoughts and feelings of a character.
Examples:
James Joyce's Ulysses is a famous example, particularly the "Penelope" chapter, which is almost entirely Molly Bloom's stream of consciousness.
Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway also masterfully employs this technique.
Impact: Brings readers closer to the character's inner world, offering an intimate and often unsettling glimpse into their thoughts and feelings.
Can be challenging for readers as it disrupts traditional narrative expectations and requires a different kind of engagement.
Origin: The term "stream of consciousness" was coined by psychologist William James, who described consciousness as a continuous and flowing process.
Stream of consciousness is a powerful tool for writers, allowing them to explore the complexities of the human mind and create a more immersive and authentic reading experience.
Expressionism:
Expressionism was an early 20th-century art movement that emphasized conveying raw emotions and subjective inner experiences.
Key Characteristics:
Emotional Intensity: Expressionists aimed to depict intense emotions like anxiety, fear, and alienation, often reflecting the anxieties of modern life.
Distorted Forms: They often used distorted forms, bold colors, and exaggerated brushstrokes to convey emotional intensity.
Focus on the Subjective: Expressionism shifted the focus from objective representation to the subjective experience of the artist.
Influence of Psychology: The rise of psychoanalysis influenced the focus on the human psyche and the exploration of inner turmoil.
Important Groups:
Die Brücke (The Bridge):
A German expressionist group founded in 1905, known for its bold colors, primitive-inspired imagery, and focus on urban life. Key members included Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff.
Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider):
Another German expressionist group founded in 1911, known for its interest in spirituality, abstraction, and the relationship between art and music. Key members included Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc.
Key Artists:
Edvard Munch: A Norwegian expressionist whose iconic painting "The Scream" embodies the anxieties of modern life.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner: A key member of Die Brücke, known for his depictions of urban life and his bold, angular style.
Wassily Kandinsky: A pioneer of abstract art, known for his use of color and form to express spiritual and musical ideas.
Egon Schiele: An Austrian expressionist known for his intense and often disturbing depictions of the human body and sexuality.
Impact:
Expressionism had a profound impact on subsequent art movements, influencing abstract expressionism, surrealism, and other 20th-century art forms. It continues to inspire artists today with its emphasis on emotional expression and the exploration of the human psyche.
Absurdism:
Absurdism is a philosophical movement that explores the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe.
Core Concept: Absurdism recognizes the inherent contradiction between humanity's search for meaning and purpose in life and the indifferent, often cruel, nature of the universe.
Key Thinker: Albert Camus: Camus is considered the most prominent figure in absurdist philosophy. He argued that life is inherently meaningless and that acknowledging this absurdity is crucial for finding a way to live authentically.
The Absurd Condition:
The "absurd condition" refers to the inherent conflict between the human need for meaning and the indifferent universe.
Finding Meaning in Meaninglessness:
While acknowledging the absurdity of existence, Camus believed that finding meaning in life is still possible. He emphasized the importance of embracing the present moment, living authentically, and finding joy in the simple act of living despite the lack of inherent purpose.
The Myth of Sisyphus:
Camus used the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to eternally roll a boulder up a hill only to have it roll back down, as a metaphor for the human condition. He argued that Sisyphus can find meaning in his meaningless task by embracing the absurdity of his situation and finding joy in the act of rebellion against his fate.
Rebellion and Acceptance:
Camus believed that rebellion against the absurdity of existence is not about fighting against the universe, but rather about finding a way to live authentically and meaningfully within the constraints of a meaningless world.
Absurdism has had a significant impact on literature, art, and philosophy, influencing many thinkers and artists in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Theater of Absurd:
The Theatre of the Absurd is a post-World War II literary movement rooted in existentialist philosophy. It delves into themes of alienation, meaninglessness, and the disintegration of communication in the face of a chaotic world.
Key figures in this movement include:
Samuel Beckett: Known for his minimalist style and exploration of human existence, his notable works include "Waiting for Godot" and "Endgame."
Eugene Ionesco: A master of anti-plays, Ionesco's works often feature illogical plots and nonsensical dialogue, exemplified in plays like "The Bald Soprano" and "Rhinoceros."
Harold Pinter: Pinter's plays are characterized by their unsettling atmosphere, pregnant pauses, and ambiguous dialogue, as seen in "The Birthday Party" and "The Homecoming."
Edward Bond: Known for his use of violence to expose societal issues, Bond's "Saved" and his adaptation of "Lear" are prime examples.
John Arden: Arden's politically charged plays, such as "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance," critique post-war society and its ills.
Tom Stoppard: A playwright known for his intellectual wit and intricate plots, Stoppard's works range from the existential exploration in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" to the historical sweep of "The Coast of Utopia" trilogy.
The Theatre of the Absurd employs techniques like sparse dialogue, dark humor, and unconventional narratives to depict the human condition in an absurd world. It questions traditional dramatic structure and challenges audiences to confront the meaninglessness of existence.
Surrealism
Surrealism was an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, seeking to liberate the unconscious mind in art.
Origins:
- Began in literature with André Breton in 1924.
- Influenced by Sigmund Freud's ideas on the subconscious, Dadaism, and Symbolism.
- Reacted against the horrors of World War I and the perceived hypocrisy of society.
Key Characteristics:
Exploration of the Subconscious: Surrealists aimed to tap into the unconscious mind through dreams, fantasies, and automatic writing.
Dreamlike Imagery: Surrealist art often features dreamlike scenes, bizarre juxtapositions of objects, and illogical narratives.
Emphasis on the Irrational: Surrealists challenged logic and reason, embracing the irrational and the absurd.
Automatic Techniques: Techniques like automatism (creating art without conscious control) were used to access the unconscious.
Notable Artists:
Salvador Dalí: Known for his meticulously detailed and dreamlike paintings.
René Magritte: Famous for his enigmatic and thought-provoking images.
Joan Miró: Explored automatism and created abstract works with childlike simplicity.
Influence:
Spread globally, influencing artists in Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Inspired Abstract Expressionism and other 20th-century art movements.
Continued to influence artists today through its exploration of the subconscious and its emphasis on the power of the imagination.
Beyond Visual Art: Surrealism extended beyond painting and sculpture, encompassing literature, film, and photography.
Surrealism remains a significant movement in art history, challenging our perceptions of reality and inspiring new ways of seeing the world.
Postmodernism is an intellectual, cultural, and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by a rejection of the grand narratives and universal truths that were central to Modernism.
Key Characteristics:
Rejection of Grand Narratives: Postmodernism rejects the idea of single, overarching explanations for history, society, and human experience. It challenges the existence of universal truths and emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives and interpretations.
Emphasis on Pluralism and Fragmentation: Postmodernism celebrates diversity and fragmentation, recognizing the multiplicity of voices, experiences, and identities. It acknowledges the fragmented nature of contemporary experience and the breakdown of traditional social and cultural structures.
Deconstruction: Postmodernism emphasizes the importance of deconstructing established ideas, ideologies, and power structures. It seeks to expose the hidden assumptions and biases that underlie dominant discourses.
Interest in Popular Culture: Postmodernism embraces popular culture, recognizing its influence on society and its potential for artistic expression.
Pastiche and Irony: Postmodern works often employ pastiche (the imitation or combination of different styles) and irony to challenge traditional notions of originality and authenticity.
Origins:
Postmodernism emerged as a reaction to the perceived failures of Modernism, which sought to impose a single, universal truth or ideology on society.
The devastating impact of World War II and other social and political upheavals led to a disillusionment with Modernism's utopian vision.
Impact:
Postmodernism has had a significant impact on various fields, including literature, art, architecture, philosophy, and cultural studies.
It has challenged traditional ways of thinking and has led to a greater awareness of diversity, subjectivity, and the power of language.
Criticisms:
Postmodernism has been criticized for its emphasis on relativism, its rejection of universal values, and its tendency towards self-referentiality and academic obscurity.
Some argue that it has contributed to a breakdown of shared cultural values and a sense of nihilism and moral relativism.
Despite its criticisms, Postmodernism remains a significant intellectual and cultural movement that continues to shape our understanding of the world today.
Modernism:
Modernism refers to a global movement in society and culture that from the early decades of the twentieth century sought a new alignment with the experience and values of modern industrial life. Building on late nineteenth-century precedents, artists around the world used new imagery, materials and techniques to create artworks that they felt better reflected the realities and hopes of modern societies.
The terms modernism and modern art are generally used to describe the succession of art movements that critics and historians have identified since the realism of Gustav Courbet and culminating in abstract art and its developments in the 1960s.
As a revolutionary movement, Modernist works introduced various novel techniques and thematic concerns that challenged traditional literary norms. The following are some of the most significant characteristics of the modernist period that define this influential period in literary history.
Dadaism:
Dadaism was an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily as a reaction to the horrors of World War I.
Rejection of Traditional Art: Dadaists rejected traditional artistic conventions and sought to challenge established norms and values. They believed that traditional art was outdated and irrelevant in the face of the absurdity of war.
Anti-Establishment: Dadaism was anti-war, anti-bourgeois, and anti-establishment. It aimed to subvert traditional art and challenge societal norms.
Emphasis on the Absurd: Dadaists embraced the absurd and nonsensical, challenging logic and reason.
Experimentation: They experimented with new forms of artistic expression, including:
Dadaist Poetry: Often consisted of nonsensical words and sounds, challenging traditional notions of language and meaning.
Sound Poetry: Hugo Ball's "Karawane" is a famous example of sound poetry, using sounds and rhythms to create an artistic experience.
Collage: Artists like Jean Arp experimented with collage, often incorporating found objects and creating works through chance operations.
Readymades: Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" (a urinal signed) is a famous example of a readymade, an everyday object elevated to the status of art by the artist's choice.
Political and Social Commentary: While often seen as anti-art, Dadaism also had a strong political and social dimension. It critiqued the horrors of war, the absurdity of modern society, and the hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie.
Influence: Dadaism had a profound impact on subsequent art movements, influencing Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Conceptual Art. Its emphasis on the artist's intention, the rejection of traditional aesthetics, and the exploration of new forms of expression continue to resonate with artists today.
Dadaism, though short-lived, was a radical and influential movement that challenged the very definition of art and left a lasting legacy on the art world.
What is comedy of Menace?
A comedy of menace is a play in which the laughter of the audience in some or all situations is immediately followed by a feeling of some impending disaster. The audience is made aware of some menace in the very midst of its laughter. The menace is produced throughout the play from potential or actual violence or from an underline sense of violence throughout the play. The actual cause of menace is difficult to define: it may be because, the audience feels an uncertainty and insecurity throughout the play.
Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party is a comedy of menace. The play is actually the mingling of comedy with a perception of danger that pervade the whole play. Stanley, the central protagonist always finds his life beset with danger. Meg is the owner of the boarding house away from the society where Stanley stays temporarily as a tenant. Meg arranges a birthday party in Stanley's honour though Stanley denies it being his birthday. Two gentlemen called Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Mc Cann come to stay in the same boarding house for a couple of nights. Their appearance fills Stanley's mind with unexplained fear and tension. Stanley attempts to disturb the strangers so that they will be forced to go away. The feeling of menace is reinforced when Stanley scares Meg by saying that some people would be coming that very day in a van. They would bring a wheelbarrow with them to take someone away. Eventually no one comes but Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Mc Cann take stanley with them. In fact Goldberg and Mc Cann represents parts of Stanley's own subconscious mind. Nothing is stated or hinted about Goldberg and Mc Cann and about their attitude towards Stanley. At best they seem to be agents of some organisation which has sent them to track down Stanley.
Avant Grade Movement
The term "avant-garde" originated in military terminology, referring to the troops that marched ahead of the main army. In the context of art and culture, it describes people or works that are unorthodox, experimental, and radical.
Key Characteristics:
Radical and Innovative: Avant-garde art challenges existing norms, conventions, and ideas. It seeks to push boundaries and explore new forms of expression.
Focus on Originality: The emphasis is on the artist's unique vision and originality, rather than adhering to established rules or traditions.
Rebellion Against the Establishment: Avant-garde movements often arise as a reaction against the status quo, challenging the dominant cultural and artistic norms of their time.
Modernity: The concept of the avant-garde is closely linked to the idea of modernity, emphasizing progress, innovation, and the rejection of traditional values.
Examples:
- Dadaism
- Surrealism
- Abstract Expressionism
- Conceptual Art
Influence: The avant-garde has played a crucial role in shaping modern and contemporary art, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging our understanding of what art is.
The video explains that the avant-garde is not just about being new or different, but about a conscious effort to break with the past and create something truly innovative and transformative. It highlights the importance of the avant-garde in challenging established norms and driving artistic progress.
Famous avant-garde works in contemporary art :
Marcel Duchamp's Fountain: This readymade sculpture is a urinal that was submitted to an art exhibition in 1917. It is considered to be one of the most influential works of art of the 20th century.
Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon: This painting is considered to be a groundbreaking work of Cubism. It is also considered to be one of the most influential works of art of the 20th century.
Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans: This series of paintings is considered to be a pop art icon. It is also considered to be one of the most influential works of art of the 20th century.
Comments
Post a Comment