Art has always been seen as a form of expression, as it conveys emotion, feelings, and ideas. It is an ever-evolving language that is constantly changing and expanding. One of the most important aspects of art is its ability to inspire, which often leads to the desire to capture and recreate an artists vision.
This phenomenon is known as copying art or appropriation. This article will explore the different terms associated with copying art, how it is used, and the debate surrounding its use.
What is Copying Art?
Copying art is exactly as it implies. It is the act of taking an artwork or visual object, such as a painting or sculpture, and using it as the basis to create another work of art. This can be done through direct replication or by using only certain elements that have been evaluated and reinterpreted.
As such, it is the practice of ‘borrowing’ from other works, while still claiming authorship in the new work. Copying art has been a common practice throughout history.
From the ancient Greeks, to the Renaissance period, to modern day, artists have been influenced and inspired by the works of those around them. However, when copying art, it is important to distinguish between creation and imitation.
A creation captures the imagination, while an imitation serves to replicate it. The key is to put a spin on it. On one hand, this type of artistic borrowing can serve to build on the historical works of the great masters, adding new layers of interpretation and furthering their influence in the art world.
On the other hand, it has also been argued that it is just as much a form of plagiarism as taking someone’s words and claiming them as your own.
Difference between Copying, Plagiarizing and Parodying
Understanding the differences between each of these terms is important when it comes to evaluating artistic borrowing. Copying is the act of taking an existing work and using it as the basis to create another artwork. This usually involves replicating the overall design, composition, or style of the original work, while still claiming authorship in the new work.
It is viewed as both a homage and an act of artistic expression. Plagiarism, on the other hand, is the unauthorised taking of another’s work and using it as one’s own.
This is usually associated with academic work, as students and researchers are often caught taking other’s words and claiming them as their own. Parody, on the other hand, involves the drastically changing of an original work, either by adding a humorous element or twisting the original to reflect the parody artist’s opinion. Although it is often done as an homage or even a critique of the original, it is not necessarily done to question the originator of the work, but rather to change the perspective and add a funny element.
Legality of Copying Art
From a legal perspective, it is important to know what exactly constitutes copying art. There are certain guidelines that serve to protect both the artist and the work of art. Firstly, copyright is an important consideration when copying art.
Copyright serves to protect a person’s original expression. A copyright holder has the right to prevent others from using their work without permission, whether it is in the form of a copy, adaptation, or derivative work.
Copyright also gives the owner exclusive rights, such as the right to produce, distribute, and display the work. Secondly, there is the concept of fair use. Fair use is an exception to copyright, which allows for the copying of copyrighted material for certain purposes, such as criticism, commentary, or parody.
This allows for a certain degree of artistic freedom, as long as it does not violate the copyright of the artwork. In some cases, artistic borrowing can fall within the realm of fair use, and therefore be seen as permissible.
Recent Examples of Copying Art
Although it is a practice that has been occurring throughout history, in recent years there has been a rise in the number of cases involving copying art. One famous case was that of Jeff Koons’ sculpture, which involved taking the work of Gustave Courbet and reworking it into his own design. This particular case sparked a debate, as some viewed it as an homage to the original artist, while others saw it as plagiarism.
Another more recent case involved artist Richard Prince and his work ‘The Joke’, which was a reworking of a photograph by Patrick Cariou. The photograph was originally taken to document Cariou’s experience in Jamaica, but Prince reappropriated it into his own artwork.
This case ended up going to court, with the ruling that 25 of the 30 artworks were deemed to have infringed on Cariou’s copyright.
The Debate of Copying Art
The debate surrounding copying art is an ongoing one, with both sides having valid points. On one hand, it could be viewed as borrowing the ideas of others and creating something new in the process. On the other hand, it could be seen as taking someone else’s ideas and claiming them as your own.
In some cases, it is difficult to draw the line between creation and imitation. Ultimately, the way in which art is used and interpreted lies in the hands of the individual.
The artist has the potential to constantly push the boundaries of creativity, drawing on the works of past, while still claiming authorship of the new work. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that it is not just the artist that can benefit from artistic borrowing, but society as a whole.
Conclusion
Art has always served as a platform for expression, communication and inspiration. Copying art is the practice of taking an existing work and using it as the basis to create a new work. This can be done through direct replication or through borrowing elements of the original work and reworking them into a new design.
The legality of copying art is determined by copyright laws, such as fair use, which serves to protect the original artist and their work. In recent years, there has been a rise in cases of artistic borrowing, which has sparked debate as to its morality and appropriateness.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how they wish to create and express their art.