Art 101: Appropriation in Art

Introduction

• Recent controversy involving artist Jeff Koons
  • Charged with using an idea from a 1980s ad campaign for his sculpture "Fait D'Ivère."
• Discussion topic: Appropriation
  • Widely debated term
  • Often linked with cultural appropriation
  • Focus on understanding appropriation itself

Definition and Context

• Appropriation:
  • To make use of something without authority or right
  • Relates to issues of stealing, ownership, and originality

Appropriation in Music

• Considered as respect (e.g., sampling, remixes)
• Controversial similar to other art forms

Appropriation in Visual Art

• Used as a tool for various purposes:
  • Good
  • Critical
• Example: Barack Obama "Hope" poster
  • Derived from Manny Garcia’s photograph
  • Created by Shepard Fairey
  • Influenced Obama’s election success
• Debate: Borrowing, theft, or respect?

Examples of Appropriation in Art

• Canadian Artist Collective General Idea
  • Borrowed from Robert Indiana's "Love"
  • Created "AIDS" to highlight love, fear, and AIDS epidemic
• Banksy
  • Uses news/pop culture images to discuss social issues
  • "Balloon Girl" turned "Love is in the Bin"
• Childish Gambino (Donald Glover)
  • "This is America" video
  • Appropriated racist Jim Crow imagery for critique of America (2018)

Discussion and Critical Viewpoints

• Appropriation as a tool or power move?
  • Could be both
  • Continues to be confusing
  • Relates to theft, ownership, and originality
• Power to provoke thought and provide new perspectives

Conclusion

• Appropriation in art remains a significant and controversial topic
• Encourages critical thinking and engagement with art

• End with a playful reference: "Here's the Mona Lisa with a mustache because appropriation."
• Teaser for the next session: "See you next time for more Art 101."