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.”
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.
Embrace remix culture as a creative tool.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibitions
- art education
- curatorial practice
- digital remix platforms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does appropriation affect the value of originality?
- When is borrowing art rather than creating?
Appropriation can blur ethical lines regarding credit and ownership.