Introduction

When considering the authorship of a work of art, it may seem straightforward. Someone created a work; they physically put paint on canvas, or they held a camera and took a photograph, or they used their own two hands to carve a sculpture. But when it comes to the concept of who owns an idea or visual, it becomes more complicated. Though many artists, and people in general, value newness, originality, and individualism in art, it is impossible to make art in a vacuum. We live in a dense web of social, political, historical, philosophical, literary, religious, and aesthetic ideas that influence how we interact with the world, including how we make art. Artists and their works contribute to a worldwide conversation.

Art like the pieces in this gallery invites us to question the authority of the artist in this conversation. Who is allowed to make art of certain things, and why? How much control does an artist have once their piece is out in the world for others to see and react to? How do we differentiate inspiration from plagiarization? What is the art itself, the work or the ideas behind it? Does originality matter, or does it even exist? What is most important, the art or the artist?

As you view these pieces, keep in mind who the artist was. This information can lead to interpretations of these works that rely on knowing the social situations surrounding them and what ideas they are leaning on in their work.

These fascinating questions can lead us to consider the fact that we live in an age where images are copied and shared at ridiculous speed and scope every moment of every day. They can lead us to reevaluate a tradition of orientalism and patriarchy amongst mainstream art for the past several centuries. They can make us contemplate our own ultimately individual place in an old but increasingly global conversation.