Postrestorers

Postrestorers are a group of artists and writers who emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in the United States, as a reaction against the dominant trends in contemporary art and literature. They are often associated with the postminimalist movement in art and the postmodernist movement in literature. Postrestorers seek to revive and reinterpret traditional artistic and literary forms, often incorporating elements of historical styles and techniques into their work.

The term "postrestorer" was coined by art critic Robert Pincus-Witten in the 1980s to describe artists who were restoring and reinterpreting historical styles, such as rococo, neoclassicism, and art nouveau, in a contemporary context. Postrestorers in literature, often referred to as "neo-Victorians" or "neo-Romantics," similarly seek to revive and reinterpret traditional literary forms and themes, often incorporating elements of historical styles and techniques into their work.

Postrestorers are often characterized by their use of historical references, their incorporation of traditional forms and techniques, and their exploration of themes that are often considered outdated or obsolete. They are also known for their critical engagement with contemporary art and literature, often challenging the dominant trends and assumptions of their time.

Despite their critical engagement with contemporary trends, postrestorers are not necessarily reactionary. They are often seen as part of a broader trend towards eclecticism and hybridity in contemporary art and literature, in which artists and writers draw on a wide range of historical and cultural influences to create their work. Postrestorers are also known for their experimental and innovative approaches to traditional forms and techniques, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or conventional in contemporary art and literature.