How has modernism and post-modernism changed our world for the better?

Well before I can answer that question I first have to define what modernism and postmodernism is.  Modernism is defined as “A style or movement in the arts that aims to depart significantly from classical and traditional forms” . In modernism, there are 3 phrases;

Between 16^th- 18^th century  “called the Early Modern Period” 

The French Revolution between 1789 -1799 “France went from a monarchy ruled by King Louis XVI to a republic ruled by the people …and then to a dictatorship run by Napoleon” 

The 20^th century – “The process of modernization expands to take in virtually the world and the developing world culture of modernism achieves spectacular triumphs in art and thought” 

An example of a modernist photographer is William Eggleston. Eggleston’s photo of the child’s bicycle was of that particular time (the 1970s).

Postmodernism is defined as “A late 20th-century style and concept in the arts, architecture, and criticism, which represents a departure from modernism and is characterized by the self-conscious use of earlier styles and conventions, a mixing of different artistic styles and media, and a general distrust of theories” 

I would say that Cindy Sherman is good example of postmodernism photography. Sherman is a self-portrait photographer, and her film still in the early part of her career. This really shows photography in a different way. The film still in black and white and made to look like the old movies of the early 50s/ 60s.

In essence, modernity refers to "historical, cultural political and economic conditions related to the enlightenment (18th century philosophical movement) the rise of industrial society". This was due to " the formation of republics based on explicitly modern political ideals such as liberal democracy" which happened during the French and American revolutions.I think that this had a great impact for generations to come, "in the form of industrialization and technological advancement" to a "communist ethos of equal benefits and living conditions for all citizens".

So to answer the question modernism and postmodernism has done a lot for us, it means that creative people and the public alike can expression themselves through creating art/photography and we as the public can look and comment on it.

Bibliography

Online

Arthistoryresources.net, (2014). Modernism: The Roots of Modernism. [online] Available at: http://arthistoryresources.net/modernism/roots.html - accessed on 14/05/14

 Cliffsnotes.com, (2014). I don't really understand the French Revolution. What started it, and what stopped it?. [online] Available at: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/cliffsnotes/history/i-dont-really-understand-the-french-revolution-what-started-it-and-what-stopped-it - accessed on 14/05/14

Oxforddictionaries.com, (2014). modernism: definition of modernism in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). [online] Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/modernism - accessed on 14/05/14

Oxforddictionaries.com, (2014). postmodernism: definition of postmodernism in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). [online] Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/postmodernism - accessed on 14/05/14

Book

Berman, M. (2001). All that is solid melts into air. 1st ed. London, Verso

Sturken,M and Cartwright,L (2009) Practices of Looking 2nd ed, Oxford, New York, Oxford University Press

Online - Images 

William Eggleston - http://erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/william-eggleston-05-660x451.jpg - accessed on 14/05/14

Cindy Sherman - https://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/P/P11/P11519_10.jpg - accessed on 14/05/14