The Power of Postmodernism in Photography - A Digital Discovery
By Beatrice Morandi
Postmodernism has always been one of my favourite styles to explore - whether in photography, painting, or cinema. There’s something about its irony, layering, and emotional complexity that sticks with you. Filmmakers like Wes Anderson are forever on my watch list for their stylised approach, but today I want to talk about something different: an online postmodern photography exhibition featured by Artdoc magazine.
Scrolling through the exhibition, I was genuinely moved by the range and emotional depth of the works. Postmodern photography isn’t just about visual appeal - it’s about concept, disruption, and reflection. The artists here don’t just capture moments; they question identity, challenge tradition, and express emotion through fragmentation.
One standout contributor is Dima Bartenev. Her work goes beyond what we usually consider photography - it becomes a kind of visual diary of emotion. Each image feels like a blend of collage, dream, and personal crisis. Her portfolio is full of distortion and surreal self-portraits that blur the line between documentation and performance. In her own words, Bartenev describes her work as “the study of myself and finding myself in the world around me, through the deformation and change of photography through the prism of uniqueness.” It’s deeply personal, yet strangely universal. You don’t just look at her images - you feel them.
Another remarkable artist featured is Claudio Parentela, an Italian creator working across photography and canvas. His style is bold and raw, combining elements of cartoon illustration with experimental photography. Using Indian inks and a variety of mixed media, Parentela’s work is colorful, chaotic, and unapologetically strange. His visual language feels like an explosion of underground energy - a rebellion against structure and expectation. His pieces are humorous, grotesque, and playful all at once. You get the sense that nothing is off-limits.
Then there’s Magda Jackowska, whose subtle yet powerful imagery adds a more introspective tone to the exhibition. One piece in particular - a black and white photograph of a hand delicately holding a thread - stayed with me long after I closed the tab. There’s something haunting in its simplicity. It feels like the hand is trying to escape something unseen, maybe even itself. It reminded me how postmodernism can be loud and rebellious, but also deeply quiet and emotional.
This online exhibition from Artdoc is a perfect example of how postmodernism continues to evolve. Even through a screen, the images are gripping and full of life. For anyone interested in how photography can challenge norms and tell stories in new ways, I highly recommend giving it a look.
You don’t need a gallery ticket to experience powerful art - just an open mind and a good internet connection.