‘Postmodernism is dead’ declares Nicolas Bourriaud, curator of a new exhibition at Tate Britain – Altermodern – Tate Triennial 2009 – that opens tomorrow.

But who ever really knew what postmodernism was anyway?

Realism and Modernism I can get my head around, futurism; fine. But postmodernism? It is an ism designed to confuse, to make the people who say it sound superior and the people who don’t feel simple.

And now there is a new ism to contend with: Altermodernism. The good news is that this time around the kind arty, intellectual types (you know the ones – you’re always one step behind them at a gallery and in earshot of their never-ending insights into Monet/ Duchamp/ Shrigley/ the light fitting) have written out a manifesto to help us mortals comprehend:

‘A new modernity is emerging,’ it begins, ‘reconfigured to an age of globalisation – understood in its economic, political and cultural aspects: an altermodern culture.’

This new phenomenon takes into account the impact of increased communication, travel and migration on our lives and how ‘multiculturalism and identity is being overtaken by creolisation.’ Thus, naturally ‘artists are now starting from a globalised state of culture.’

The ensuing Tate Britain exhibition presents ‘a collective discussion’ around these issues and will hopefully reveal something a little less cryptic than its media blurb suggests.

I plan to dutifully investigate but expect to feel my intelligence levels drained to that of plankton. What ever happened to art for art’s sake?

Keep your eyes out on t5m for a retraction – in the case that I’m proved wrong.

Altermodern – Tate Triennial 2009
at Tate Britain
4 February – 26 April 2009

Imogen Eveson