Myöhäismoderni

Myöhäismoderni, also known as late modernism, refers to a period and a set of cultural, artistic, and philosophical movements that emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century. It is often seen as a transition between high modernism and postmodernism. Key characteristics of late modernism include a continued engagement with modernist ideals such as rationality, progress, and the exploration of subjective experience, but with an increasing awareness of the limitations and potential failures of these grand narratives.

In literature, late modernism saw authors grappling with themes of alienation, the breakdown of traditional social structures, and the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world. There was a continued interest in formal experimentation, but often with a more self-aware or even critical stance towards the avant-garde. Thinkers during this period began to question the foundational assumptions of Western thought, paving the way for postmodernist critiques.

Artistically, late modernism encompassed a diverse range of styles, including abstract expressionism's later phases, minimalism, and conceptual art. These movements often explored the materiality of art itself, the role of the viewer, and the relationship between art and society. While still valuing originality and innovation, there was a growing sense of irony and a questioning of established artistic canons. The concept of late modernism is useful for understanding the cultural shifts that occurred as societies moved further into the latter half of the 20th century and began to experience the profound social, technological, and intellectual changes that would define the postmodern era. It represents a period of both continuation and critical re-evaluation of modernist legacies.