Postmodernism in Photography: Deconstruction and Reinterpretation of Visual Norms

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of postmodernism on contemporary photography, emphasizing its role in redefining visual norms and perceptions of reality. By analyzing the works of prominent postmodern photographers, the study focuses on three main themes: the deconstruction of the photographic subject, the application of intertextuality, and the creation of hyperreal environments. It suggests that postmodern photography, by questioning traditional concepts and methods, prompts a reassessment of visual authenticity. The deconstruction of the photographic subject challenges the notion of authenticity, intertextuality enriches interpretations by referencing other art forms, and hyperreality blurs the distinction between reality and simulation, influencing how media shapes our perceptions. These themes collectively show how postmodernism not only alters photography’s aesthetic and technical facets but also engages with broader cultural and philosophical questions of the digital era.