Beyond Postmodernism...

That's what I've been writing about last week.  The superficiality of some PM fiction is now losing its power to entertain, so my argument goes. I'm writing about the recession, laying off workers, temptation products, the perfect body/face, celebrity culture, Reality TV, homelessness: 'Homelessness of the physical and spiritual kind, is one of the defining characteristics of Western life in the late 20th Century' and 'When the Coca Cola company can print billboard posters with the legend 'we taught the world to sing' then our spiritual alienation is complete, wrote Melanie McGrath in Motel Nirvana.  Too right.  So, haven't we had enough?  In the twenty first century are we looking for something more?  Where are our values coming from?  Consumerism?  By accumulating possessions is that happiness? (Arghhh!!! I'm on my soap box)  I'm suggesting we are moving into an era which is seeking meaning and spirituality within art.  I'm even daring to suggest there is a new genre of fiction being written Magical Mystical; I think this is the ballpark where my work comes from.  As Alex Grey says, In The Mission Of Art: 'The current cultural situation is calling for individuals to transcend the fractured vision of postmodernism and awaken to some transpersonal and collective basis for truth and conscience.'  Yep, I think he has a point.  I even think art is a form of spirituality. I gave a paper in France saying so, and was received with a certain, 'Ca alors/Richard Dawkins??!!!'
So, beyond postmodernism, why is the current climate ripe for change?  Many reasons: a lack of borders, an amalgamation of cultures, shifting paradigms, confusion about consumer culture and values.  On the one hand, the slogan: Because I'm Worth It! sees consumption as a right, not a luxury, and the desire for instant gratification as being of the utmost importance.  It is a time when capitalism promotes individualism over the collective needs of society, a society that appears to value money, beauty, fame and  youth above all else.  And yet...On the other hand, there is a restlessness in society, a sense that may be we need to change our values.  Environmental issues and economic factors are combining to make people re-think their lives?  May be people are searching for something other than' all surface no depth?'  May be people are wanting meaning?  Big ideas?  To ask:  profound questions? To discover: profound answers.  Who knows?  Ask Prof Brian Cox: the Wonders Of The Universe guy.  May be this is where fiction is at.  I think so.  I guess, time will tell.
Cheers Sonia  for the  interesting article, for others who are interested: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2011/07/postmodernism-is-dead-va-exhibition-age-of-authenticism