Art 101: What is appropriation? (not the cultural kind)

Summary

In this video, the concept of 'appropriation' in art is explored, focusing on its controversial role in the creative world. Using examples like Jeff Koons’ sculpture, Shepard Fairey's 'Hope' poster, and Banksy’s provocative works, the video delves into the fine line between respect, homage, and theft in art. The term ‘appropriation’ is dissected in the context of stealing, ownership, and originality, raising questions about its power as a tool for critical commentary or as a questionable act of exploitation. The video highlights appropriation’s potential for artistic critique, questioning its role in shaping perspectives on culture and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Appropriation is the act of using something without permission or right, often involving theft, ownership, and originality.
• 😀 The concept of appropriation is controversial and frequently discussed in the context of cultural appropriation, but it also applies in the art world to question creativity and rights.
• 😀 Jeff Koons was charged for using an idea from an ad campaign in his sculpture *Sadie Becker and What Do You Care*, sparking a debate about appropriation.
• 😀 In music, appropriation can be seen as a form of respect, such as sampling or remixing old songs to create new works.
• 😀 Shepard Fairey’s iconic *Hope* poster, based on a photograph by Manny Garcia, raises questions of credit and originality in art.
• 😀 The Canadian art collective General Idea used appropriation in 1987 with their painting *AIDS*, referencing Robert Indiana’s *LOVE* sculpture to comment on the AIDS epidemic.
• 😀 Banksy often appropriates popular culture images for social commentary, such as transforming *Girl with a Balloon* into *Love is in the Bin* at an auction.
• 😀 Childish Gambino’s *This is America* music video used racist imagery, appropriating minstrel traditions to critique systemic racism in America.
• 😀 Appropriation in art can serve as a powerful tool for critical engagement, challenging societal norms and provoking new ways of thinking.
• 😀 The line between creative influence and theft is blurry, making appropriation a complex issue in the art world, with both positive and negative aspects.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic is the concept of appropriation in art, particularly how artists use existing ideas, images, or works to create new pieces, and the ethical implications surrounding this practice.

Who is Jeff Koons, and what controversy is mentioned in the script?

Jeff Koons is an artist who was accused of appropriating an ad campaign from the 1980s to create his sculpture *Sadie Becker*. The controversy centers around whether this act was an example of artistic innovation or unethical use of someone else’s idea.

What is appropriation in the context of art, as defined in the video?

In art, appropriation is the act of making use of or taking something—such as an image, idea, or artwork—without proper authorization or right. It often involves using existing elements to create something new, which can raise questions about ownership and originality.

How does appropriation relate to music, as discussed in the script?

In music, appropriation is often seen through practices like sampling or remixing, where old songs are reused to create new ones. While this can be a form of respect or homage, it can also generate controversy if perceived as unacknowledged borrowing.

What role does appropriation play in visual art, according to the video?

Appropriation in visual art has been a tool for both innovation and critique. Artists have used appropriation to challenge societal norms, address pressing issues, or make critical statements, though it remains a controversial practice.

What is the significance of Shepard Fairey’s *HOPE* image in relation to appropriation?

Shepard Fairey’s *HOPE* image, created using a photograph by Manny Garcia, is a notable example of appropriation in art. It raised the question of whether the act was a respectful homage or unauthorized use of another artist’s work to create a widely recognized political image.

What was General Idea's use of Robert Indiana's *LOVE* sculpture in their work *AIDS* meant to convey?

General Idea’s appropriation of Robert Indiana’s *LOVE* sculpture in their artwork *AIDS* was a response to the AIDS epidemic, using the familiar symbol of love to make a visceral statement about the fear and stigma surrounding the disease in the 1980s.

How does Banksy use appropriation in his artwork?

Banksy often appropriates images from popular culture and the art world to make critical statements about poverty, injustice, and the commercialization of art. One famous example is his piece *Love is in the Bin*, which self-destructed at an auction, appropriating the auction process itself as a critique.

What is the significance of Childish Gambino’s *This is America* video in the context of appropriation?

Childish Gambino’s *This is America* video appropriates racist imagery from the Jim Crow era to critique modern-day American society, addressing issues of race, violence, and injustice through powerful visual references to the past.

What central question about appropriation is raised in the video?

The central question raised is whether appropriation in art is a critical tool for innovation and social commentary, or if it is simply an unethical act of stealing someone else’s work, culture, or ideas.