aro0823, Jencks

In the Jencks reading, the idea of “presence of absence” really stuck out in my mind because it so well connects to our past readings-- readings that encouraged the audience to critically evaluate and analyze the unsaid. Here, within the context of art and architecture, the audience is encouraged to return to this “absent center” and take note of it, yet still transcend its boundaries. It is important to know the history of the art form you intend to modify. I likened that idea to the old adage of taking one step backward to go two steps forward. Postmodernist artists aim to preserve their given art forms while simultaneously revamping it by using a mixture of historical precedents.
The deeper that I delved into the reading, the more I understood post-modernism to be original only in its combination of different historical precedents that had never before been fused. Jencks used example after example of a given postmodern artist mixing modern and classic elements to create a groundbreaking masterpiece. This idea is similar to DJs remixing songs and beats. One such example is DJ Swindle’s production of Bobb Deep, resulting in a blend of the lyrics of Mobb Deep and Bob Marley beats. Similarly, DJ Team Canada layers Beatles music underneath the wise words of Notorious B.I.G. to create an unique sound. Interestingly enough, Team Canada is revered as “innovative” and “original,” even though none of the work is his own.
Postmodernists are not necessarily the most creative individuals in terms of groundbreaking discoveries, but they do have a knack for ironically and paradoxically juxtaposing two seemingly contradictory styles. My right-brained self has trouble imaging any revolutionary and earth-shattering art techniques being invented in the near future, so I can understand Postmodern mixology with respect to art. Architecture, however, is different because scientific and technological breakthroughs allow for continued innovation in building design. I predict that up and coming artists will have great difficulty pushing the boundaries of their fields while their architecture colleagues of the coming years will continue to thrive.