Jameson's main argument of this chapter proves that the economic system and culture deeply influences the art of a time period. Post-modern art, varying from paintings to structural buildings, has become more aesthetically pleasing and "integrated into commodity production". The author uses paintings by Van Gogh and Andy Warhol to explain the differences between modernism and postmodernism. He explains that Van Gogh's painting, "A Pair of Boots", should be seen as a "Utopian gesture". These peasant shoes may seem to lack importance, but Van Gogh compensates by using beautiful colors to instill life and feelings. On the other hand, Warhol's painting, "Diamond Dust Shoes", seems to lack any meaning. His painting is a good example of how postmodern art has become more commercial and depthless. Especially with the invention of photography, the flatness of black and white pictures was very different from Van Gogh's method of using color to evoke emotion.
Throughout the beginning of Jameson's essay, he repeatedly repudiates periodizing because of its tendency to homogenize a whole time period. Rather postmodernism should be recognized as a "cultural dominant", allowing heterogenity and the "coexistence of a range of very different, yet subordinate, features". In doing so, other theories aren't ignored and the reader is given a chance to analyze and debate the topic.
Question #1: There is a chart on pg. 88 relating Van Gogh, Warhol, Magic Realism, and Realism of the Old age. What are the cross arrows representing? I want to understand what the chart represents.
Question #2: The explanations of the four models repudiated by comtemporary theory is hard to understand. What are some examples of the kind of art these models represent?
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