Appropriation is the idea that ate the art world. Go to any Chelsea gallery or international biennial and you'll find it. It's there in paintings of photographs, photographs of advertising, sculpture with ready-made objects, videos using already-existing film.
Jerry Saltz's quote highlights the prevalence of appropriation in the art world. He argues that the concept of appropriation has become so ubiquitous that it's now a defining feature of contemporary art. This notion is not new, but Saltz's words serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the value and legitimacy of appropriation in art.
Saltz's quote emphasizes the idea that appropriation has become a dominant force in the art world. He suggests that the reliance on existing materials and ideas has led to a homogenization of artistic styles and a blurring of the lines between high and low culture. This critique is not unique to Saltz, as many have argued that the emphasis on appropriation has resulted in a lack of originality and innovation in art.
The concept of appropriation has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, when artists like Marcel Duchamp and Robert Rauschenberg began incorporating found objects and images into their work. This movement was a response to the traditional art world's emphasis on originality and the artist's unique perspective. Over time, appropriation has evolved and become a staple of contemporary art, with many artists using it as a means to challenge traditional notions of authorship and creativity.
Jerry Saltz is an American art critic and journalist. He is the senior art critic for New York magazine and has written for numerous publications, including The Nation, Artforum, and The New Yorker. Saltz is known for his insightful and provocative critiques of contemporary art, and his writing often explores the intersection of art, culture, and society.
While Saltz's quote primarily serves as a critique of the art world, it also highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which art is created. By recognizing the role of appropriation in contemporary art, artists, curators, and critics can better appreciate the complexities and nuances of the art world.
Saltz's quote has sparked debate among art critics and enthusiasts. Some argue that his critique of appropriation is too broad and that he fails to acknowledge the innovative and thought-provoking work that has resulted from this artistic approach. Others see his words as a necessary challenge to the status quo and a call to reevaluate the value and legitimacy of appropriation in art.