STUDIO ARTS EXAM

PREPARATION WORKSHEET
Appropriation
the practice or technique of reworking the images or styles contained in earlier works of art, esp.
(in later use) in order to provoke critical re-evaluation of well-known pieces by presenting them in
new contexts, or to challenge notions of individual creativity or authenticity in art. (Oxford
English Dictionary)

Max Dupain, The Sunbaker, 1937

Anne Zahalka, The Sunbather #2, 1989

TAKE NOTES ON YOUR THOUGHTS

A. Should artists be able to use the images and ideas of others in their work?
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B. Think about the concept of originality in art.

Is originality important? Is it possible to create original artwork? Is all art
original in some sense? Is something original worth more or have a higher
value?
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C. Think about ethical issues/moral rights.
What are ethics and morals? If another artist appropriates an artwork and alters
the original meaning of an artwork, does it matter? Should the artist whose
work was copied have any rights? What sort of rights?
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D. Think about legal issues.

There are laws to protect artists from forgery, reproduction without permission or
plagiarism. How should a legal framework to reproduce an artists work operate?
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E. What else do you think needs to be looked at with regards to the issue of
appropriation. Do you appropriate in your art practice?
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