metamoderern

Metamodernism is a cultural and philosophical concept that has emerged in the early 21st century. It is often described as a successor to postmodernism, attempting to bridge the perceived gap between modernism and postmodernism. While postmodernism was characterized by irony, deconstruction, and a skepticism towards grand narratives, metamodernism seeks to re-engage with sincerity, hope, and the possibility of truth, albeit with an awareness of postmodern critique.

Key characteristics of metamodernism include a oscillation between seemingly opposing concepts. This can manifest as a simultaneous embrace of both irony and sincerity, naivety and knowingness, apathy and engagement, or construction and deconstruction. It suggests a return to affect and emotion, but without abandoning the critical perspective gained from postmodernism. Rather than rejecting grand narratives outright, metamodernism explores the possibility of reconstructing them or creating new ones, while acknowledging their inherent subjectivity and potential for failure.

Metamodernism is not a rigid ideology or a codified movement but rather a descriptive term for a cultural sensibility observed in various fields, including art, literature, film, and philosophy. It reflects a generation that grew up in the shadow of postmodernism's disillusionment but yearns for meaning and connection. Examples often cited include the works of artists and writers who exhibit a playful yet earnest approach to their subjects, or cultural phenomena that blend irony with genuine emotional resonance. The concept itself is still evolving and subject to ongoing debate and interpretation.