Altermodernism

Altermodernism

• Coined by Nicolas Bourriaud

• Response to standardisation and commercialisation

• Emphasis on global context and cultural nomadism

• Rejects postmodern multiculturalism and identity politics

What is it?

Altermodernism, coined by Nicolas Bourriaud, responds to globalisation’s impact on art, opposing cultural standardisation and nationalism. 

It emphasises cultural translation, hybridisation, and mental nomadism, encouraging artists to explore diverse cultural landscapes and produce unique works in a global context. 

Bourriaud’s key ideas include moving beyond postmodernism, embracing cultural intersections, and fostering art that reflects the dynamic, interconnected world. Altermodernism promotes a new modernity rooted in multiplicity and otherness, challenging traditional Western-centric narratives.

Altermodernism differs from postmodernism by moving beyond the latter’s focus on cultural relativism and origins. While postmodernism emphasises multiplicity and the deconstruction of grand narratives, altermodernism embraces globalisation and cultural hybridisation, focusing on translation and intercultural connections. 

It views artists as wanderers who create by navigating diverse cultural landscapes, rather than being rooted in a single tradition or identity. Altermodernism seeks to construct new meanings in a global context, contrasting with postmodernism’s often fragmented approach.

The internet plays a crucial role in altermodernism by facilitating global connectivity and cultural exchange. It allows artists to transcend geographical limitations, enabling them to share and access diverse cultural influences instantaneously. 

This digital environment supports the altermodern emphasis on cultural hybridisation and translation, as artists can engage with a global audience and draw from a wide array of cultural resources. The internet acts as a platform for creating and experiencing art that reflects the interconnected, multicultural world envisioned by altermodernism.

The internet facilitates the blending of different cultural influences in altermodern art by enabling instant global communication and access to diverse cultural resources. Artists can share and explore images, signs, and languages across cultures, creating a global audience through platforms like social media and blogs. 

This connectivity allows for the merging of cultural elements, leading to artworks that reflect a multicultural and interconnected world. The internet acts as a network, enabling artists to create and distribute art that transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a shared cultural dialogue.

The internet affects the way artists engage with historical references by providing vast access to digital archives, resources, and multimedia content that can be easily searched and retrieved. 

This accessibility allows artists to explore and incorporate diverse historical elements into their work, fostering a richer, more interconnected understanding of history. Additionally, the internet enables artists to engage with historical narratives through interactive media like video games and memes, which can present history in engaging ways but may also simplify complex events. 

This digital interaction encourages a dynamic dialogue between past and present, shaping contemporary artistic practices.

Historical video games influence artists’ interpretations of the past by providing immersive, interactive experiences that can reshape historical narratives. Games like “Assassin’s Creed” allow players to explore historical settings, offering a visual and experiential understanding that differs from traditional media. However, these games often simplify or alter historical events for gameplay purposes, which can blur the line between fact and fiction. This interactive medium encourages artists to consider history as a dynamic and participatory process, potentially leading to new interpretations and representations in their work.

Video games

Some video games that have significantly influenced artists’ interpretations of history include:

• Assassin’s Creed Series: Offers immersive historical settings, allowing players to explore and interact with past landscapes and events, albeit with some creative liberties.

• Sid Meier’s Civilisation: Allows players to lead civilisations through history, encouraging exploration of historical scenarios and strategies.

• Total War Series: Provides strategic simulations of historical battles and empires, focusing on authenticity rather than strict accuracy.

These games blend historical facts with fiction, influencing how artists perceive and depict historical narratives.