Metamodernism

Metamodernism is the term for a cultural discourse and paradigm that has emerged after postmodernism. It refers to new forms of contemporary art and theory that respond to modernism and postmodernism and integrate aspects of both together. Metamodernism reflects an oscillation between, or synthesis of, different “cultural logics” such as modern idealism and postmodern skepticism, modern sincerity and postmodern irony, and other seemingly opposed concepts.

Philosophically, metamodern advocates agree with many postmodern critiques of modernism (for example, highlighting gender inequality); however, they often contend that postmodern deconstruction and critical analytic strategies fall short in facilitating desired resolutions. Metamodern scholarship initially focused on interpreting art in this vein and established a foundation for the field, particularly through observing the growing blend of irony and sincerity (or post-irony) in society. Later authors have explored metamodernism in other disciplines as well, with many frequently drawing on integral theory in their approach.

The term “metamodern” first appeared as early as 1975, when scholar Mas’ud Zavarzadeh used it to describe emerging American literature from the mid-1950s, and later notably in 1999 when Moyo Okediji applied the term to contemporary African-American art as an “extension of and challenge to modernism and postmodernism.” It wasn’t until Vermeulen and van den Akker’s 2010 essay “Notes on Metamodernism” that the subject garnered broader attention within academia.

wikipedia/en/Metamodernism

Metamodernism is a cultural discourse and paradigm that emerged after postmodernism, oscillating between and synthesizing elements of both modernism and postmodernism. It’s characterized by a kind of informed naivety, a pragmatic idealism, and a search for a transcendent position while acknowledging the lessons learned from postmodernism, moving beyond the either/or dichotomy of earlier paradigms. Metamodernism embraces a blend of sincerity and irony, progress and skepticism, and grand narratives and individual experience. 

• Oscillation: Metamodernism is not a simple replacement of postmodernism but rather an oscillation or synthesis between it and modernism. This means it embraces both the optimism and hope of modernism and the skepticism and irony of postmodernism. Metamodernism seeks to find common ground between the seemingly opposing forces of modernism (with its emphasis on progress and certainty) and postmodernism (with its focus on skepticism and deconstruction). 
• Informed Naivety: Metamodernism is characterized by a kind of informed naivety, where individuals are aware of the complexities of the world but still retain a sense of hope and optimism.
• Pragmatic Idealism: It seeks to find a balance between idealistic goals and practical realities, embracing both the potential for progress and the limitations of human endeavor.
• Search for Transcendence: Metamodernism seeks to find a transcendent position, a sense of meaning and purpose that transcends the limitations of both modernism and postmodernism.
• Aesthetic of Oscillation: Metamodernism’s aesthetics often reflect its ontological oscillation, characterized by elements of both sincerity and irony, optimism and melancholy, and hope and skepticism. 
• Embracing Both Sincerity and Irony: Metamodernism doesn’t reject either sincerity or irony but rather sees them as complementary aspects of human experience. 
• Re-evaluation of Grand Narratives: While postmodernism dismissed grand narratives, metamodernism reconsiders their role, acknowledging their potential while also recognizing their limitations. 
• Emphasis on Felt Experience: Metamodernism places a strong emphasis on personal and subjective experience, recognizing the importance of individual emotions and perceptions. 
• Focus on Relationships and Community: Metamodernism often highlights the importance of human connection and collaboration, emphasizing the need for a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 
• Acknowledging Systemic Issues: Metamodernism recognizes the existence of systemic problems and the need for collective action to address them. 
• Finding a Balance: Metamodernism strives to find a balance between optimism and skepticism, hope and despair, and the individual and the collective.

In contrast to Modernism and Postmodernism:

• Modernism: Focused on progress, reason, and grand narratives, with a belief in the power of science and technology.
• Postmodernism: Emphasized skepticism, deconstruction, irony, and the rejection of grand narratives, with a focus on relativism and the limitations of knowledge.
• Metamodernism: Acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both modernism and postmodernism and seeks to synthesize them, offering a new way of thinking about the world. 

Examples of Metamodernism:

Metamodernism can be seen in various aspects of contemporary culture, including:

• Art: Some artists are re-embracing elements of modernism while still acknowledging the lessons of postmodernism. 
• Philosophy: Metamodernism can be seen in philosophical approaches that seek to find a middle ground between modern and postmodern perspectives. 
• Politics: Some political thinkers are exploring new ways of organizing society that acknowledge the need for both progress and social justice. 
• Everyday Life: Metamodernism can be seen in the way people navigate the complexities of modern life, seeking to find meaning and purpose in a world that is both optimistic and skeptical.