Modernism pertains to a series of cultural movements in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Modernism involves architecture, art, music, literature, and applied arts. Modernism believes in examining the past, as its art and culture heavily rely on it. At this point, there was a lot of attention paid to original works. These works include paintings, sculpture, architecture, and poetry. It was during this period that art was revered.
On the other hand, postmodernism describes a more confused state of cultural changes that came to fruition sometime after modernism. This time was after the 1960s, which is considered postmodern. Many people think that postmodernism is more challenging to understand, as it is unique and controversial. For example, when Andy Warhol first came onto the postmodern scene, it became a cult of his fans. It was not necessarily accepted by mainstream society.
Modernism and Postmodernism are both schools of thought. The primary difference between modernism and postmodernism is that they did not occur at the same time. Modernism is a movement or school of thought that led to a reform in literature, music, applied arts, and art. Modernism also brought about some advancements in scientific processes, logic, and rational thinking. This school of thought was based on the belief that mankind can grow and rise with rational and clear thinking. It also believed that there is a lot we can do to the present world by learning from the past. Postmodernism, on the other hand, is a movement or school of thought after modernism, specifically after World War II. This school of thought made people understand that there is nothing like a universal truth. Postmodernists used various scientific approaches to explain that everything in life is irrational. We can describe Postmodernism as the complete opposite of everything preached by Modernism.
Modernism and post-modernism are known to be terms that are often used in literature. Modernism is the term that is used to describe the break from the traditional style of poetry that people used in the past. Postmodernism, on the other hand, is considered to be a type of reaction that was created against enlightenment thinking. This was a reaction that was against the modernist way of thinking when it comes to literature. Usually, when people say modernism, this may also refer to a type of thinking wherein people are always searching for the truth in a more abstract way. Those who believe in postmodernism think that there is no universal truth. The truth is going to be different for everyone.