Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is an American artist known for her work in the late 20th century that engages with the concepts of appropriation and authorship. By re-photographing iconic images from male artists, Levine challenges the traditional notions of originality and creativity, prompting viewers to reconsider the value of the artist's identity in the creation of art. Her works exemplify how appropriating existing artworks can provoke critical dialogue around authorship and ownership in the art world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherrie Levine is best known for her series 'After Walker Evans,' where she re-photographed Evans' famous images, questioning the idea of authenticity in photography.
2. Her work has been pivotal in the discussion around feminist art, as she emphasizes the role of women artists in a predominantly male-dominated field.
3. Levine’s appropriation challenges viewers to rethink their preconceived notions about creativity and artistic value by blurring the lines between original and copied works.
4. She often uses everyday objects and famous artworks to highlight issues of consumerism and commodification in contemporary culture.
5. Levine’s impact on the art world has led to significant legal discussions about copyright and intellectual property as they pertain to appropriation art.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's work illustrate the principles of appropriation in art?
  • Sherrie Levine's work demonstrates appropriation by taking existing photographs and re-contextualizing them through her own lens. For instance, in her series 'After Walker Evans,' she re-photographs Evans' images, which challenges the idea of originality and forces viewers to confront their assumptions about artistic authorship. By doing this, Levine not only critiques the notion of individual creativity but also highlights how cultural narratives are shaped by those who reproduce or reinterpret them.
• Discuss how Sherrie Levine's approach contributes to feminist discourse within contemporary art.
  • Sherrie Levine’s work significantly contributes to feminist discourse by challenging the male-centric narrative prevalent in art history. By appropriating works from male artists, she emphasizes women's roles and perspectives in a field dominated by men. Levine's actions serve not only as a critique of gender inequality but also as an assertion that women can reclaim and redefine artistic expression through appropriation, thereby fostering a more inclusive dialogue around authorship.
• Evaluate the implications of Sherrie Levine's work on contemporary views regarding copyright and intellectual property in the arts.
  • The implications of Sherrie Levine's work on contemporary views regarding copyright are profound, as they spark debates about ownership and originality. By re-photographing established works without altering their essence, Levine raises questions about what constitutes artistic value and who has the right to claim authorship. Her practices have led to legal scrutiny surrounding copyright laws, highlighting a tension between traditional notions of ownership and the evolving landscape of digital reproduction and appropriation in contemporary art.

Related terms

Appropriation Art: A movement where artists use pre-existing objects or images in their own work, altering them to create new meanings, often questioning originality and authorship.

Postmodernism:

An art movement characterized by a skeptical, self-aware approach to art that challenges established norms, often blending different styles and cultural references.

Feminist Art: A movement aiming to highlight women's perspectives in art, often critiquing historical male dominance in the art world and exploring themes related to gender identity.