Postmodernism Era.

Postmodernism describes a broad movement that developed in the mid- to late 20th century. Postmodernism has many different sides to it such as; philosophy, the arts, architecture and criticism. It is typically defined by an attitude of skepticism, irony or rejection toward grand narratives (a narrative about narratives of historical meaning, experience, or knowledge).

Postmodernism as a philosophical movement is a reaction that protests against the philosophical assumptions and values of the modern period.
Some of the most important view points are:

• There is a reality whose existence and properties are independent of the human mind and societal views and practices.
• Scientists  and historians statements can be objectively true or false.
• Human nature does exist. Postmodernists insist that pretty much all aspects of human mind and behaviour are completely determined by what society has taught them.

Postmodern art was a movement that contradicted certain aspects of modernism and some aspects that developed in the aftermath of modernism. It emphasizes the notion beyond forward thinking. 

Examples of postmodern artwork:

 (Wassily Kandinsky, Composition 8)

 (Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe)

 (Theo van Doesburg)

Structuralism.

Structuralism is a method of interpretation. Structuralism is when you analyse human perception and their behaviour, culture, and experience. It is an analysis of the human sciences.

Structuralism film theory is highlighting the way films convey meaning.

A structuralist films focuses on patterns, relationships or structure. Its the theory that recognizing these structures helps people understand and enjoy films. It emphasizes the importance of narrative theory and recurring patterns and content.

Semiotics

Semiotics is the science of signs. The founder of semiotics (or the interpretation of signs) was a Swiss linguist named Ferdinand de Saussure. He said that signs are made up of sounds and images, and what concepts these sounds and images bring to mind , he called this the Signified.

American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce is the founder of semiotics (.The trichotomy of icons, indexes, and symbols):

Icon: A literal sign. Its a sign that physically resembles the thing it stands for.

Index: A Implied sign. Its a sign that implies something.

Symbol: A learned sign. It is something we learn what it means.

An example of these:

Icon: A picture of a dog.

Index: A paw print.

Symbol: The word 'Dog'.

Modernism

What is modernism?

Modernism is a reforming movement in art, architecture, music, literature and the applied arts during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. It was an act of rebellion against the traditional portrayal of arts.Instead of representing what is real, modernism meant people would create abstract art portraying thoughts and emotion. This kind of art requires careful observation before making a judgement. The goal of accomplishing something like this, that had never been done before was often accompanied by a sense of despair due to the inherent difficulty.

 Fact: Modernism was originally named "avant-garde".

Where did Modernism begin?

Modernism originated in France, with Charles Baudelaire in literature and Eduardo Manet in painting. It lasted from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. During the 1960's it dominated the arts.

Examples of modernist art:

Women's Rights.

Women's rights in the Victorian period: (1837-1900)

• During the Victorian period, once a woman was wed all of her property went to her husband as marriage would make them become one and the men would represent them. In 1882 the married women's property act was put into place. This was an Act of the UK Parliament which allowed married women to own and control property in their own right.
• In 1888, Clementina Black secures the first successful equal pay resolution at Trades Union Congress. Clementina Black was an English writer, feminist and honorary secretary of the Women's Trade Union League, She worked for women's rights at work and for women's suffrage. 

Women's rights in the Edwardian period: (1900-1910)

• In 1907 because of the Qualification of women act was in place, women could now be elected onto councils and elected as mayor.

Modern rights: (1910-1939)

• In 1912 The Prisoners Act also known as the Cat and Mouse Act, was passed in Britain. This act was when a Suffragette was arrested; she would go on hunger strike, because of the lack of food the Suffragette would become weak, too weak to do any public harm. She would then be released ‘on licence’. Once out of prison, the former prisoner would start to eat once again and regain her strength. Whilst out on licence, if she was to commit a crime, she would be returned to prison. She would then go back on hunger strike. The authorities would wait until she was weak and she would be re-released ‘on licence’. The reason behind the nickname 'Cat and mouse act' is because it resembles how a cat would play with its prey (usually a mouse) before killing it.
• In 1918 women over the age of 30 were allowed to vote. 
• in 1928 women are granted equal voting rights with men.

Postmodern: (1940s-present)

• 1986 The Sex Discrimination Act enables women to retire at the same age as men.
• 1993 The United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against women affirms that violence against women violates their human rights.
• 1994 Rape in marriage is made a crime 
• 2002 Lesbian and unmarried couples are now allowed to adopt children.