Appropriation

Definition

Appropriation refers to the act of taking or using elements from one culture or context, often without permission, and recontextualizing them for another purpose. This concept is significant in understanding how cultural elements are borrowed, altered, or commodified, especially in the context of colonialism and the resulting power dynamics between cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appropriation can result in the commodification of traditional cultural expressions, stripping them of their original meaning and context.
2. Colonial powers often appropriated art and artifacts from colonized regions, presenting them in Western museums as examples of 'exotic' cultures.
3. In many cases, appropriation leads to a power imbalance, where the dominant culture benefits from the marginalized culture's expressions without giving due credit.
4. Contemporary artists may use appropriation as a method to critique colonial histories and highlight issues of representation and ownership.
5. Appropriation can also foster dialogue between cultures but must be approached with sensitivity to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or disrespecting the original context.

Review Questions

• How does appropriation manifest in the art created during colonial rule, and what are its implications for traditional African aesthetics?
  • Appropriation in colonial art often involved Western artists taking inspiration from African aesthetics while ignoring their cultural significance. This led to a distorted representation of African art forms, where traditional motifs were stripped of their meanings and used in ways that served colonial narratives. The implications were profound, as they marginalized authentic African voices and perspectives, creating a rift between the original cultural expressions and their appropriated representations.
• Discuss the role of appropriation in colonial architecture within Africa and how it reflects the power dynamics between colonizers and indigenous populations.
  • Colonial architecture often involved the appropriation of local materials and styles but was primarily driven by European designs that asserted dominance. This blending created structures that symbolized colonial power while disregarding indigenous architectural traditions. The appropriation not only reflected an imbalance of power but also served to erase local identities by imposing foreign aesthetics onto the landscape, which ultimately shaped social hierarchies within colonized communities.
• Evaluate the impact of appropriation on contemporary art practices and how artists address historical injustices related to colonialism.
  • Contemporary artists increasingly utilize appropriation as a means to confront historical injustices tied to colonialism. By recontextualizing borrowed elements, these artists critique past exploitations while reclaiming cultural narratives that have been marginalized. This approach fosters a deeper awareness of cultural ownership and representation, encouraging dialogue around identity and power. Artists like El Anatsui or Yinka Shonibare actively engage with these themes, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of both contemporary art and the legacies of colonialism.

Related terms

Cultural Imperialism:

The practice of promoting the culture or language of one nation in another, often leading to the dominance of one culture over another.

Hybridization: The process through which different cultural elements are combined to create new forms, often seen as a response to globalization and cultural exchange.

Postcolonialism: A theoretical framework that examines the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the legacies left behind.