Manipulation

Definition

Manipulation refers to the act of skillfully influencing or controlling something to achieve a desired effect. In the realm of art, it can involve altering existing works or recontextualizing them to comment on cultural norms, societal values, or artistic conventions. This process often challenges perceptions of originality and authenticity in artistic expression, inviting viewers to reconsider the nature of creativity and authorship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manipulation in art can be seen as a form of appropriation where artists repurpose existing works to create something new.
2. This technique raises questions about copyright, ownership, and the definition of originality in the art world.
3. Artists such as Sherrie Levine and Richard Prince are well-known for their manipulation techniques, using images from other artists to challenge traditional ideas of authorship.
4. Manipulation can also be used to evoke emotional responses or provoke thought about societal issues by presenting familiar imagery in unfamiliar contexts.
5. In contemporary art, manipulation often leads to discussions about authenticity and the value of art in a world saturated with images.

Review Questions

• How does manipulation in art challenge traditional notions of originality and authorship?
  • Manipulation challenges traditional notions of originality and authorship by questioning what it means to create art. When artists alter or recontextualize existing works, they blur the lines between creator and consumer, suggesting that all art is interconnected. This raises important discussions about the value placed on original works versus manipulated pieces, ultimately leading to a broader understanding of creativity in the modern art landscape.
• Discuss how artists like Sherrie Levine utilize manipulation to critique cultural norms.
  • Artists like Sherrie Levine use manipulation as a tool to critique cultural norms by taking well-known images and presenting them in new ways. By appropriating these images, Levine forces viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about authorship and authenticity. Her work highlights how society values originality while simultaneously revealing the intertextual nature of visual culture, thereby challenging the established hierarchy of artistic value.
• Evaluate the impact of manipulation on contemporary art practices and its implications for future artistic expression.
  • The impact of manipulation on contemporary art practices is significant as it encourages artists to engage with existing works and cultural narratives rather than solely creating from scratch. This trend fosters a collaborative dialogue between past and present artworks, allowing for innovative expressions that reflect societal changes. As artists continue to manipulate imagery, they will likely push boundaries further, leading to new forms of artistic expression that challenge our understanding of creativity, ownership, and cultural commentary.

Related terms

Appropriation: The practice of taking pre-existing images, objects, or styles and using them in a new context, often to create commentary or critique.

Recontextualization:

The act of placing an object or idea in a new context, which can alter its meaning and significance.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence one another, shaping meaning through their connections.