The postmodern world is a weird one. Conflicts,
juxtapositions, reinterpretations, and playfulness permeates its artistic
expression outlets. I really enjoyed the text by Charles Jencks because he put
some of the difficult and somewhat abstract terms of post-modernism within an
architectural perspective. This allowed me to grasp the concepts better.
My favorite terms are anthropomorphism, disharmonious harmony,
double-coding, and tradition reinterpreted. Anthropomorphism is a really fun
concept. Jencks says, “In an age when architects and artists are often at a
loss for the legitimate subject matter, the human presence remains a valid
departure point” (285-286). We have experienced throughout the decades many
forms of expression and innovation. I reflect a lot about the end of
creativity: when we will have utilized all forms of expression? Is there
something as real creativity? Are we always reinterpreting? I like his quote
about anthropomorphism because it shows that even those who create and invent
for a living have trouble finding new “subject matters.” When this occurs, it is natural that we go back to what is natural to us: our own human form.
Tradition reinterpreted also deals with my question regarding “real creativity.” Can we create something original? In our past
reading of Macherey, he argues that no book is independent. All works are based
on other works. Maybe artistic work works the same. We need tradition to be reinterpreted
to continue the production of art.
Disharmonious harmony is an interesting term as well. I see it as a
form of tradition reinterpreted. Disharmonious harmony, in rough terms, happens when we start a work and leave it in an “incomplete” (but somehow complete) form. Doesn't that mean we are reinterpreting the complete form? I feel like all
these terms bounce of each other to create new ways of looking and exploring
art and post-modern culture. Double-coding emphasizes the disjunction of
post-modernism and it points out to the differences and the opposites. Just
like disharmonious harmony, I feel that double-coding can be a form of tradition
reinterpreted. With double-coding we reinterpreted the elements that go
together, looking for new combinations. Maybe it is even a little bit more extreme than
tradition reinterpreted and it breaks tradition all together by mixing what is
not “supposed” to be mixed.
I also really enjoyed the reading. I found that Jenks did a fantastic job of conceptualizing the various cultural phenomena as they relate to the architecture. Furthermore, the more we discussed these terms in class, such as the ones you mentioned in your post above, the more I was able visualize the physicality of the architecture and its emotional impact.
ReplyDeleteAs has been the trend with me in this class, I could not help but think of all of these architectural and cultural phenomena as the relate to music and the environment. As a regular concert-goer, I have began to notice that various venues are often created with a cultural theme that permeates the crowd. I always find experiencing concerts in these settings to be especially powerful. When a venue is able to curate a powerful vibe with its’ architectural configuration, the artist playing will often translate that vibe into a musical experience.
One of the most incredible venues I have been to is called Skippers Smokehouse in Tampa. Skippers has become a cultural music hub in Central Florida because of the incredible set-up. The open-air music area is built around the trees and the walls are covered with old-time concert posters and random trinkets from the 1960’s and 70’s. Furthermore, there are about 4 bars hidden throughout the venue and even a hidden oyster bar buried behind a series of backdoors. Each journey to Skippers is different, giving it an ever-appealing sense of wonder. With so many ragtag items from the psychedelic ages, it does a fantastic job of creating a sense of nostalgia for attendees. The overwhelming amount of random trinkets throughout the venue and large trees on the dance floor enables a impeccable sense of disharmonious harmony.
If you have never heard of the venue, be sure to check it out any time you find yourself in the Tampa area.
Skippers - http://skipperssmokehouse.com/