What is postmodernism as it pertains to graphic design and why is it difficult to define?

Postmodernism in graphic design emerged as a reaction against the rigid structures and functionalism of modernism, embracing eclecticism, irony, and pastiche. It often incorporates mixed media, unconventional layouts, and a playful approach to typography and imagery, challenging traditional notions of aesthetics and meaning. Defining postmodernism is difficult due to its diverse influences and the fluidity of its principles, which vary widely across different contexts and individual interpretations, leading to a lack of consensus on its characteristics. This multiplicity reflects the broader cultural shifts of the postmodern condition, where certainty and singular narratives are increasingly questioned.