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The differences
between art produced under the influence of Marxism and art produced under
the influence of Postmodernism.
By Natalie Baird |
Marxism is a socio-economic philosophy based on the thought of Karl Marx, essentially warning of the downfall of capitalism and its class structure (Makeham, 1999). Marx never wrote specifically on art and aesthetics, however the Marxist aesthetic has been compiled from his many comments on the arts (Solomon, 1979, p. 5). Under Marxist influenced Russia, Stalin introduced Socialist Realism into the arts which dramatically affected the type of art that was produced from around 1930 to the 1980’s (Makeham, 1999). Postmodernism was first talked about in the late 1960’s, as a reaction to Modernism’s rejection of eclecticism and embrace of an international style (Walker, 1983, p. 81). Postmodern art is now rejecting this international style in favour of the eclecticism and plurality of styles (Comans, 1999).
Stalin’s Socialist Realism was introduced for the reason that formalism and Modernism did not fit in with Communist ideology, so a state aesthetic was created from Marx’s theories (Vasques, 1974, p. 18). Marx called for the worker to stand up to his employer, or oppressor, and fight for equality and classlessness. Socialist Realism art glorified this proletariat, and depicted images of strong and youthful men (Makeham, 1999). On the other hand, Postmodern art lashes out at universal truths such as Marxism, Communism as well as Capitalism, as people seem to have lost their faith in these traditional grand narratives (Comans, 1999).
Postmodern art also references art history, and traditional styles, but does not restrict its art practitioners to the confining rules of Socialist Realism (Walker, 1983, p. 82). Both movements promote conciousness: postmodern consciousness is the responsibility of the audience especially regarding the art experience and reading the art as text (Comans, 1999). The consciousness in Marxist thought is the responsibility of the proletariat: he or she must be aware of their socio-economic standing to be fully aware of their position and power (Solomon, 1979, p. 13).
Marxist theory in art rejects the capitalist
thought that art is for consumption in a market (Makeham, 1999), however
the postmodern arts still seem to relish in their ability to be reproduced
and marketed; a prime example being the printing and publishing of artist’s
books (Carter, 1990, p. 136). Other aspects of art produced under Postmodernism
are the use of inter-textuality, pastiche and a non-linear narrative (Comans,1999),
whereas the narrative in Marxist art is clearly defined in the visible
struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariats (Vasquez, 1974, p.
13).
WORKS CITED
Carter, M. (1990) “From Object to Text”,
in Framing Art: Introducing Theory and the Visual Image, Sydney: Hale and
Ironmonger, pp. 124-137.
Comans, C. (1999) “Art and Postmodernism”, lecture delivered at QUT, Brisbane, May 24.
Makeham, P. (1999) “Art versus Society”, lecture delivered at QUT, Brisbane, March 15.
Solomon, M. (1979) “Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels”, Introduction to Marxism and Art: Essays Classic and Contemporary, Detroit: Wayne State University Press, pp. 3-21.
Vasques, A.S. (1974) Translated by M. Riofrancos, Art and Society: Essays in Marxist Aesthetics, London: Merlin Press, pp. 9-22.
Walker, A.J. (1983) “Cultural Pluralism and Post-modernism”, in Art in the Age of Mass Media, London: Pluto Press, pp. 80-90.