Surpassing Modernity: Ambivalence in Art, Politics and Society

Cultural analysis has focused on developing terms to explain the surpassing of modernity, but the debate is stuck between those who view modernity with automatic disdain and those who are interested in renewing the study of modernism. McNamara argues that it is time to forget the quest to surpass modernity and re-examine a legacy that continues to inform our artistic conceptions, political debates, and critical justifications, even if it is baffling and contradictory. This book suggests that these questions have become increasingly difficult to answer.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 264 pages
\n Publication date: 29 November 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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For the past thirty to forty years, cultural analysis has been intensely focused on developing terms to explain the surpassing of modernity. The discussion has become stagnant, caught between those who view modernity with automatic disdain, as deterministic, Eurocentric, or imperialistic, and a growing interest in renewing the study of modernism. A further dilemma arises from the desire to move away from or beyond modernity, as it is often perceived as challenging, even unsavory. However, it is worth noting that there has always been a perception of modernity as difficult to live with, and this view has been expressed by figures we consider typical modernists.

In his book, McNamara argues that it is time to abandon the quest to surpass modernity. Instead, he suggests that we should re-examine a legacy that continues to inform our artistic conceptions, political debates, critical justifications, even if it is baffling and contradictory. While this legacy may be challenging to live with, without recourse to it, our critical-cultural ambitions would remain seriously diminished.

How do we explain the culture we live in today? And how do we, as citizens, make sense of it? These questions have become increasingly difficult to answer. This book seeks to explore these issues and provide insights into the complex dynamics of our contemporary world.

\n Weight: 338g\n
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350008342\n \n