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In the '50s, to appropriate was a real no-no. However…

“In the '50s, to appropriate was a real no-no. However, once you go from Duchamp to Jasper Johns to Warhol, appropriation becomes not only a common thing to do, but possibly the central way of working in the era we call postmodernism.” quote by Irving Sandler
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“In the '50s, to appropriate was a real no-no. However, once you go from Duchamp to Jasper Johns to Warhol, appropriation becomes not only a common thing to do, but possibly the central way of working in the era we call postmodernism.”

Irving Sandler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Appropriation evolved from taboo to a defining strategy of postmodern art, allowing artists to reference and transform existing works.

In simple terms: Artists reuse existing works to create new meanings in postmodern art.

Key Takeaway

Embrace remix culture as a creative tool.

Themes

postmodernism artistic practice appropriation culture innovation

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • gallery exhibitions
  • art education
  • curatorial practice
  • digital remix platforms

Key Concepts

intertextuality recontextualization authorship originality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does appropriation affect the value of originality?
  • When is borrowing art rather than creating?
A Different Perspective

Appropriation can blur ethical lines regarding credit and ownership.

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