Postmodern Art: Jay-Z’s “Picasso Baby” Performance Essay

The performance between Jay-Z and Marina Abramović, Picasso Baby, can be seen as an illustration of an important aspect of postmodern art that is closely linked to the purpose and the meaning of the art as seen by modern artists, including the ones mentioned above, as well as the larger public. At the beginning of the video, Jay-Z stresses that he always tries to bridge any gap that might exist between the artist and the viewer during his concerts and performances, which is an idea shared by many postmodern artists who seek mutual ground and meanings with the audience. Postmodern or contemporary art is not confined to the focus on the form or meaning solely but has a broader outlook as artists want to convey the meanings they find important for modern society by using the symbols and language that will be understood by the target audience, speaking to people’s hearts. Moreover, with the help of his works, Jay-Z, as well as many if not all postmodern artists, wants to create a platform where the voices of the audience will be heard and exchanged so that this interaction made people closer and more cooperative, open, and ready to compromise. In the video, it is clearly visible that the artist working on or presenting his work of art addresses the viewer who co-creates the artwork by adding their meanings and life stories to the piece. These stories become the patterns on the canvas created by the artist and the audience who listen to each other and try to fix the world that seems to have lost something very important, such as love, wisdom, forgiveness, empathy, and hope.