After Postmodernism | 6. Metamodernism, Part I

Finally, we turn to metamodernism, the most influential and wide-ranging paradigm for post-postmodernism yet proposed. This video covers the articulation of metamodernism by cultural theorists Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker. "Ironic sincerity," "informed naivete" and "pragmatic idealism" come into view as the metamodern presents us with an oscillation between paradigmatically modern and postmodern attitudes.

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[immanuelcan]

What I can't figure out is the WARRANT for the new optimism. It's well and good to say that Postmodernism is too negative and skeptical, even to the point of being unliveable and inhuman; but if Postmodernism had anything to communicate when it critiqued Modernism, then it's not possible to simply return to belief and optimism for no reason but that we find skepticism debilitating and unfruitful. The mere need does not create the warrant, the justification, the reasons-to-believe-again. It's just makes us needy.

Something is still unexplained here; and the warrant for metamodern "sincerity" (while still "ironic") or "hopefulness" (however "guarded") is what's missing. Any new "Romanticism" still cannot be merely a brainless return to enthusiasms: not after Postmodernism, surely.

[shepherdessofskymeadow]

What continues to intrigue me is how many folks are finding their way towards this kind of pragmatic idealism or informed naïveté without having the words for it, knowing why they're drawn to it or even being particularly conscious of the shift. It feels like a seismic force moving the plates beneath us.

Truly amazing videos, they are so thorough and clearly explained. Great work!

[patod]

Thanks for the video. I howeverfind the background music not helping you at all. We listeners are in the attention mode, concentrating on what you say, and so the music, which has nothing todo with your lecture, becomes distracting noise. You really don't need it.

[stinx]

Hey just wanted to say that I appreciate your videos. They are basically the only well-made videos on Youtube covering the topics so keep it up!

[Mithoswashere]

Hey Brendan. Thank you for the video. Your video essays brought me into metamodernism and its a huge help to understand the current changes and themes in a variety of subjects (from philosophy to arts and so on)! I wish you well and hope you can gain more subscribers! Best wishes from Germany, Martin!

[gorgeeshmorgee]

Political post-postmodernism is exactly what I've been waiting for. I can't wait to see what's coming.

[jonathanwoodvincent]

This all feels bodyless, tedious and quantized

[theselfishmeme]

I can't thank you enough. Your videos have helped me understand so much. Thank you so much for making them!

[marcusanark]

This video really spoke to me; I'll have watch again a few times to process everything.

[zacnewford]

so basically modernism with the post (news). or postmodernism without the post (trash)

[keencole]

I found your set of videos in the middle of quarantine. Im always looking forward to your content. Health and well being to you.

[MikeFieldsSculptures]

Great video! Nice to finally have some language to go with some of my thoughts on this. I wonder if oscillation is the only way for a union of the poles? Not sure time is necessary for transcendence and imminence to unite for example, and this union through time isn't really a union.

[chrisf]

It is refreshing to come across something new since being in University and writing/ thinking so extensively about post-modernism

[moonlitseacapeandthedesert]

Thank you! Will recommend these series!

[thembamabona]

Ahhhh.... the struggle to come up with a new, adorable theoretical label whereas what matters is acting&thinking sustainably (plantbased, public transport, 1child max), overcoming pervasive irony/egocentrism (being sincere & altruistic) and working towards inner peace (meditation/buddhism). Most of this can be achieved with spiritual practice (e.g. in the Buddhist tradition), environmental informedness and good literature. The academic grandstanding is quite unnecessary but entertaining....

[rapsluchaczq]

ok, this is the best creator that i found this year

[kefka]

I feel that the oscillation also occurs between singularity and binary.

[brandiemaddalena]

I have really enjoyed your videos. Thank you! While I do understand you are relating the views of the metamodernist theorists, I question aligning Neo-Romanticism with this era, due to its overly didactic approach. This type of work does not foster the praxis of trust or respect needed in this era. We are past being force-fed meaning and instead crave the mutual respect that the viewers are able and willing the derive meaning for themselves in the way that best serves to find commonality. There are other lines of art that more clearly serve this new era, which allows the individual viewer to interpret through their own lens, but with the intent of transcendent and unifying experiences. I would ask you to consider investigating social practice as a form. Of course, view this form with an understanding that art has been processed through modernism and postmodernism, which brings art to a much broader scope of form than many people are educated to appreciate ( the folly of fragmentation and therefore loss in education, I suppose). You may also be interested in artists who work contemporarily to find art forms to speak of transcendence, unity, harmony, and ritual: Ann Hamilton, James Turrell, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Long, Bill Viola, TeamLab, Walter De Maria, Anish Kapoor, Wolfgang Laib, Tokujin Yoshioka, Olafur Eliasson, well, you get the idea. Not every work by each of these artists fits the bill for this conversation, but many, if not most do. I truly appreciate your work here and sincerely hope this comment is helpful.

[grantinvestments]

Come to Boulder and galavant my good sir. A crew of quite adapt magic specimen has been assembled. The reveries are unmatched. Personal lodgings are already arranged. Come take a gander.

[ibrahimmorarech]

Thank you for introducing these illuminating ideas. Your presentations are just so effortlessly thought-provoking and engaging. please continue.