Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is a contemporary American artist known for her role in the Postmodern art movement, particularly through her appropriation of existing artworks. By rephotographing famous photographs and artworks, Levine challenges the concepts of originality and authorship, embodying the critique of Modernist ideals that emphasize individual creativity and originality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherrie Levine's work gained prominence in the 1980s, particularly with her series 'After Walker Evans,' where she rephotographed iconic images by photographer Walker Evans.
2. Levine's approach raises questions about intellectual property and challenges the traditional view of art as a singular expression of an artist's vision.
3. Her work often critiques the male-dominated art world by appropriating works created by male artists, thereby revealing gender biases in the perception of artistic value.
4. Levine is associated with the broader Postmodern movement that rejects the idea of a singular narrative or truth, embracing instead multiple interpretations and perspectives.
5. Through her practice, Levine contributes to discussions on authenticity in art, suggesting that replication can also be a valid form of artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's work exemplify the principles of appropriation within Postmodern art?
  • Sherrie Levine's work exemplifies appropriation by taking existing artworks and recontextualizing them through her own lens. For example, her series 'After Walker Evans' involves rephotographing well-known photographs, which not only questions the original creator's authority but also examines how context influences meaning. This approach aligns with Postmodern principles that challenge traditional notions of originality and celebrate multiplicity in artistic expression.
• Discuss the impact of Sherrie Levine's work on feminist art and its critique of gender dynamics in the art world.
  • Sherrie Levine's work has significantly impacted feminist art by highlighting how women artists can engage with the canon of art history dominated by male figures. By appropriating male artists' works, she exposes the inherent biases in the valuation of art based on gender. This critique encourages a re-evaluation of what constitutes artistic merit and opens up space for female voices within a historically exclusionary narrative.
• Evaluate how Sherrie Levine's rephotography practices inform contemporary debates about authorship and originality in art.
  • Sherrie Levine's rephotography practices have become pivotal in contemporary discussions surrounding authorship and originality. By actively challenging the idea that artworks must stem from a singular creative vision, she raises critical questions about who gets to claim ownership over an idea or image. This inquiry into authorship encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about creativity, suggesting that replication itself can be an innovative act that reflects cultural dialogues rather than individual genius.

Related terms

Appropriation: A practice in art where an artist takes pre-existing objects, images, or styles and recontextualizes them, questioning notions of originality and ownership.

Postmodernism: An artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skeptical interpretation of culture, art, and history, often rejecting grand narratives and emphasizing relativism.

Feminist Art: An art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, seeking to address the representation of women in art and challenge patriarchal structures within the art world.