Notions of Originality.
Is anything really original? Well yes and no. As much as we as artists and visual communicators are constantly striving to think creatively and come up with original ideas, all the time we are inspired and influenced by everything we have seen before us. We consume so much visual information in our lifetime and learn what we like and don’t like, what we’re attracted to and why, that all these things get filtered down and we learn from and emulate them. We essentially cherry pick elements, styles, content, etc, and combine and twist them into a new distinct vision that is unique to us. It is how we take from something and use it as a catalyst to trigger new representations of that idea that is important, not try to rehash or copy another.
Though we often consciously acknowledge another artist’s work as a direct influence, there will always be things that you have seen that unconsciously contribute to your process and outcome. And probably other works with similarities that you never even knew about. Where do we draw the line between homage and plagiarism? The spectrum is so vaast and grey that this issue divides opinion and is different for everyone.
One visual example of this notion is below, where fine art photographer Karen Hsiao was clearly inspired by the original Trevor Brown painting, both aptly titled “Rubber Duck.” A tribute or copy? You decide.
Historical relationships and Re-contextualising.
What happens then if someone purposely references a previous work for effect? Things are getting reused and recycled all the time, and people look back at the past to give their work a certain anchor or meaning, due to association with the original.
Shown below is how an old concept, when lent to a new idea, can produce effective results in this fashion editorial. The ethereal dream-like beauty of Millais’ “Ophelia” translates well when applied to a more contemporary context and setting.
It’s extremely important to look back at what has come before us. It’s an endless and invaluable resource which gives us understanding and inspiration, helping us grow at what we do. The more information and basis for context we can give ourselves the better. This strengthens our work and helps make it relevant, fresh and contemporary.
This concept, however, is not as simple as taking something and doing it over. Countless “famous” works of art get constantly rehashed and parodied. For example, most commonly the Mona Lisa and Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe prints, arguably to the point where they have lost their original stature and meaning. Is this to be considered commentary, humour or simply unoriginal and derogatory?
Shown below is how an old concept, when lent to a new idea, can produce effective results in this fashion editorial. The ethereal dream-like beauty of Millais’ “Ophelia” translates well when applied to a more contemporary context and setting.
It’s extremely important to look back at what has come before us. It’s an endless and invaluable resource which gives us understanding and inspiration, helping us grow at what we do. The more information and basis for context we can give ourselves the better. This strengthens our work and helps make it relevant, fresh and contemporary.
This concept, however, is not as simple as taking something and doing it over. Countless “famous” works of art get constantly rehashed and parodied. For example, most commonly the Mona Lisa and Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe prints, arguably to the point where they have lost their original stature and meaning. Is this to be considered commentary, humour or simply unoriginal and derogatory?
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