Appropriation

Definition

Appropriation refers to the practice of taking or using elements from one context, particularly cultural or artistic works, and incorporating them into another, often in a way that alters their original meaning. This concept is central to postmodernism, where artists and photographers often blend references and styles to challenge traditional boundaries, highlight cultural commentary, or critique original works. Appropriation can provoke questions about originality, authorship, and the nature of art itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appropriation is often seen as a way for artists to comment on societal issues by recontextualizing existing works and images.
2. In photography, appropriation can involve using images from advertising, mass media, or art history to challenge the viewer's perception.
3. Notable examples of appropriation include the works of artists like Cindy Sherman and Sherrie Levine, who used existing images to explore themes of identity and femininity.
4. Appropriation raises important discussions about intellectual property rights, especially in cases where original creators may feel their work has been exploited.
5. Postmodernism embraces appropriation as a method to break down the idea of a singular artistic voice or originality, emphasizing that all art is interconnected.

Review Questions

• How does appropriation function as a tool for commentary within postmodern photography?
  • Appropriation in postmodern photography serves as a powerful tool for commentary by allowing artists to reinterpret existing images in new contexts. This practice can question societal norms, expose cultural stereotypes, or highlight issues of identity and representation. By taking familiar images and placing them in unexpected scenarios, photographers can provoke thought and discussion among viewers about the original work's meaning and its implications in contemporary culture.
• Discuss the ethical implications of appropriation in art and photography, considering both original creators and appropriators.
  • The ethical implications of appropriation revolve around issues of ownership, respect for original creators, and the potential for exploitation. While some argue that appropriation can bring new life and perspectives to existing works, others contend that it can diminish the original creator's intent and significance. This tension raises critical questions about who has the right to use cultural symbols or images and whether appropriators should seek permission or acknowledge the source material in their work.
• Evaluate how appropriation reflects broader cultural shifts in postmodernism regarding originality and authenticity in art.
  • Appropriation reflects broader cultural shifts in postmodernism by challenging traditional notions of originality and authenticity. In a world saturated with media and imagery, postmodern artists assert that all art is inherently intertextual and influenced by what came before. By embracing appropriation, they argue that creativity lies not solely in producing something new but also in recontextualizing existing elements to create new meanings. This perspective invites viewers to reconsider their definitions of artistic value while highlighting the complexities of authorship in contemporary art.

Related terms

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence one another, often seen in literature, art, and photography.

Cultural Critique: The examination of culture through various lenses to reveal underlying ideologies, power structures, and social norms.

Pastiche: A work that imitates the style or character of other works, often as a celebration of those styles rather than a critique.