Postmodernism in photography emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against modernism and its emphasis on objective representation. Instead, postmodern photography emphasizes subjectivity, fragmentation, and the deconstruction of dominant cultural narratives.
Some of the key features of postmodern photography include the use of mixed media, appropriation of existing images, and the blurring of boundaries between different genres and styles of photography. Postmodern photographers often explore themes of identity, power, and representation, and they challenge traditional ideas about the nature of the photographic image.
Some of the most prominent figures associated with postmodern photography include:
Cindy Sherman - Sherman is known for her self-portraits in which she adopts a variety of personas, challenging traditional notions of gender and identity. Her work often incorporates themes of power, representation, and the construction of images.
Barbara Kruger - Kruger is a conceptual artist who uses photography and text to challenge dominant cultural narratives and explore issues of gender, power, and identity. Her work often features bold, graphic text overlaid on black-and-white photographs.
Sherrie Levine - Levine is known for her appropriation of existing photographic images, in which she challenges the idea of originality and the notion of the author as a singular creative force.
Richard Prince - Prince also appropriates existing images, often from popular culture, to create new works that comment on issues of identity, consumer culture, and the nature of the photographic image.
Jeff Wall - Wall is known for his large-scale, highly staged photographs that challenge traditional ideas about the documentary nature of photography. His work often incorporates elements of cinema and other art forms.
Andreas Gursky - Gursky is known for his large-scale photographs of contemporary landscapes and urban spaces, which often have a highly abstract and almost surreal quality. His work explores themes of globalization, consumer culture, and the relationship between humans and the built environment.
Nan Goldin - Goldin's work often focuses on intimate and highly personal subjects, including her own experiences of love, loss, and addiction. Her photographs have a raw, unfiltered quality that challenges traditional ideas about beauty and perfection.
These photographers, among others, have helped to shape the postmodern movement in photography and have pushed the medium in new and exciting directions.