Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is an American artist known for her work in the late 20th century that challenges notions of authorship and originality through rephotography and appropriation. By taking existing photographs and presenting them as her own, Levine critiques the traditional art world and raises questions about value, meaning, and the nature of art itself. Her practice aligns with key developments in postmodernism and has left a significant mark on conceptual art, particularly in how contemporary artists navigate ideas of reproduction and authenticity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Levine's most famous work includes her series of rephotographed images of iconic photographs by artists such as Edward Weston and Alfred Stieglitz.
2. Her approach aligns with postmodern critiques of originality, challenging the romanticized idea of the artist as a sole creator.
3. In 1981, she exhibited her work in a show called 'After Photography' that emphasized the impact of photography on contemporary art.
4. Levine's work is often discussed in relation to feminist art movements, as she addresses issues of gender, power, and representation through her practice.
5. She has influenced a generation of artists who continue to explore appropriation, authenticity, and the dynamics of visual culture in their work.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's work illustrate key concepts related to postmodernism?
  • Sherrie Levine's work exemplifies key concepts of postmodernism by questioning ideas around authorship and originality. Through her practice of rephotography, she highlights how contemporary art can engage with existing images rather than create entirely new ones. This approach reflects the postmodern rejection of the notion that art must be purely original, instead suggesting that meaning can emerge from reinterpretation and context.
• Discuss how Sherrie Levine's rephotography contributes to our understanding of conceptual art.
  • Levine's rephotography contributes significantly to our understanding of conceptual art by foregrounding the idea that the concept behind a work can overshadow its physical manifestation. Her use of existing photographs challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of authenticity and value in art. This shift invites deeper conversations about what constitutes an artwork and how meaning is generated within visual culture.
• Evaluate Sherrie Levine's impact on contemporary practices regarding appropriation and authenticity in art.
  • Sherrie Levine's impact on contemporary practices surrounding appropriation and authenticity is profound. She paved the way for future artists to explore similar themes, encouraging them to interrogate the boundaries between original creation and borrowed imagery. This legacy continues to resonate today as artists grapple with issues related to digital reproduction and mass media, highlighting ongoing debates about ownership, originality, and artistic intent within contemporary art.

Related terms

Appropriation:

The act of taking existing objects or images and using them in a new context, often to challenge traditional ideas of authorship and originality.

Rephotography: A technique where an artist re-photographs an existing photograph to create a new piece of art, often exploring themes of representation and interpretation.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the concept or idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished product, emphasizing the role of the artist's intention.