Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is an American artist known for her work in the postmodern art movement, particularly for her practice of appropriation. By rephotographing and reproducing existing artworks, she challenges notions of originality and authorship, making her work a critical commentary on the art world and its commodification. Levine's approach aligns with key characteristics of postmodernist art, which often seeks to question established conventions and embrace irony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Levine gained prominence in the late 1970s as part of a group of artists who utilized appropriation as a means to question traditional artistic values.
2. One of her most notable works is 'After Edward Weston,' where she rephotographed Weston's famous nudes, effectively questioning the idea of authorship in photography.
3. Levine's work often includes a feminist perspective, engaging with issues of gender representation and the historical exclusion of women from the canon of art.
4. Her pieces frequently utilize irony and humor to subvert expectations around what constitutes 'high' art versus 'low' culture.
5. Levine's influence extends beyond visual art; her ideas have impacted discussions in philosophy, cultural theory, and media studies regarding the nature of representation.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's use of appropriation reflect postmodernist characteristics?
  • Sherrie Levine's use of appropriation embodies key postmodernist characteristics by challenging traditional notions of originality and authorship. Her works often take well-known images or artworks and recontextualize them, prompting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of creativity and value in art. This practice not only critiques the commodification of art but also highlights how meaning can shift through context, a central tenet of postmodern thought.
• In what ways does Levine's work engage with feminist themes, particularly regarding representation in art?
  • Levine's work engages with feminist themes by critically examining the historical representation of women in art and challenging the male-dominated narrative within the art world. By appropriating works created by male artists, such as Edward Weston, she brings attention to the often overlooked contributions of female artists. This act not only reclaims space for women in artistic discourse but also invites a conversation about gender biases embedded in traditional art practices.
• Evaluate the impact of Sherrie Levine's artistic practices on contemporary views about authorship and originality in art.
  • Sherrie Levine's artistic practices have significantly influenced contemporary views on authorship and originality by prompting critical discussions about these concepts within the realm of visual culture. By rephotographing established artworks, she blurs the lines between creator and consumer, suggesting that originality may be an illusion perpetuated by societal norms. This has led to a broader acceptance of appropriation as a legitimate artistic strategy, reshaping how artists and audiences understand creativity in an age where digital reproduction is ubiquitous.

Related terms

Appropriation Art: A style of art that involves taking existing images or objects and recontextualizing them to create new meaning, often raising questions about originality and authorship.

Postmodernism: A broad movement in art, literature, and culture that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a skeptical approach to concepts of originality, authenticity, and grand narratives.

Feminist Art: A movement that emerged in the 1970s aimed at addressing the representation of women in art, challenging gender stereotypes and advocating for women's rights within the art world.